What is the Tip?
A tip rewards service and is discretionary in India. The common convention is 10% at restaurants, rounded to something convenient. Tipping norms vary widely by country — 15–20% is expected in the US, while it is uncommon in Japan.
Formula & worked example
Total = Bill + Tip
Per person = Total / number of people (rounded up if selected)
Worked example: a ₹1,500 bill with a 10% tip = ₹150 tip and ₹1,650 total. Split between two people that is ₹825 each; rounded up to the nearest ₹10 it becomes ₹830 each, with the ₹10 extra simply added to the tip.
How to use this tip calculator
- Enter the bill amount.
- Pick a tip percentage — 10% is standard in India, 15–20% in the US.
- Set how many people are splitting.
- Choose rounding to avoid fiddling with small change.
Smart tips
- If a service charge already appears on the bill, an additional tip is entirely optional.
- Tip on the pre-tax amount where possible — tipping on GST means tipping the government.
- For excellent service, tipping in cash directly means the server is more likely to receive it in full.
- Rounding up per person is the easiest way to handle change and slightly increases the tip.
Frequently asked questions
What is a standard tip in India?
About 10% of the pre-tax bill at restaurants. It is customary rather than obligatory, and lower or nil is acceptable for poor service.
Do I tip if a service charge is included?
No additional tip is expected. Service charge is also not mandatory and can be removed on request.
How much do you tip a delivery driver?
In India, ₹20–50 or roughly 5–10% is common, and more in bad weather or for large orders.
Should I tip on the total including tax?
Convention is to tip on the pre-tax bill. Tipping on the total is more generous but not expected.
Want the theory behind the numbers? Read our everyday money on the Money Blog.
Written by Gurjeet Singh, Sharpen Solutions. Last reviewed 30 Sep 2026. How we check these numbers.