These basic tipping rules apply to meals in the $20 to $100 price range, which covers almost 90 percent of restaurant meals for two in the U.S. Apply these simple math rules to your check total:
Basic Rule (total between $30 and $100):
Multiply the first digit by 2. That’s the tip.
Example: $43.75. The first digit is 4. Leave 4 ¥ 2 = $8.
Lower-cost rule (total between $6 and $30):
Divide by 5 and round off. That’s the tip.
Example: $26.90. Five goes into this about 5 times. Leave $5.
Party of four (total between $40 and $100):
Round to the nearest 10. Multiply the first digit by 3. Everyone kicks in that amount.
Example: $52.50. Rounds to $50. Everyone pays $15.
If you’re not up for doing the math, use this handy tip chart. The tip range is 15 to 18 percent but if you’re feeling generous, feel free to tip more.
| Total on Check | Tip | Total on Check | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10 and below | Be nice. | $84 to $95 | $16.00 |
| $11 to $16 | $2.50 | $96 to $110 | $18.00 |
| $17 to $23 | $3.00 | $110 to $130 | $20 |
| $24 to $30 | $4.50 | $131 to $160 | $25 |
| $31 to $37 | $5.00 | $161 to $200 | $30 |
| $38 to $44 | $6.00 | $201 to $250 | $40 |
| $45 to $52 | $7.50 | $251 to $300 | $50 |
| $53 to $60 | $9.00 | $301 to $400 | $60 |
| $61 to $70 | $10.00 | $401 to $500 | $80 |
| $71 to $83 | $12.00 |