Smart Tip & Bill Split Calculator

Pre-tax tip calculation · $1 Clean Round-Up · N-way Bill Splitting

New to tipping in the US? Start here

In the United States, tipping is not really optional — it is an established practice. Servers' base wages are set low on the assumption that tips make up the difference, so at restaurants with table service, tipping 15–20% of the pre-tax bill is standard. Great service deserves 20% or more, and at a bar $1–2 per drink is customary.

The proper base for a tip is the pre-tax subtotal, not the total. California sales tax runs 7.25–10.75% depending on the city, so tipping 20% on the after-tax total means overpaying by exactly that much. This calculator reads the receipt photo and separates the subtotal from the tax automatically so the tip is computed on the right base.

For parties of six or more, receipts often already include an automatic service charge (auto gratuity) of around 18%. Adding a full tip on top means paying twice, so check the receipt first — the AI scan detects and flags a service charge automatically.

Frequently asked questions

Should I tip on the after-tax total?
No. Tipping on the pre-tax subtotal is the norm; tipping on the total just adds the sales tax to your tip.
Do I need to tip at fast food or cafe counters?
It is not expected. Even when a kiosk or card reader suggests a tip, choosing 0% is perfectly acceptable when there is no table service.
What if the receipt already shows a service charge?
The service is already paid for, so no additional tip is needed — or add a small amount only if the service was exceptional.
Is my receipt photo stored?
It is destroyed from memory right after analysis. Only if you choose to save the record is an image kept, with sensitive details like card numbers automatically masked.