Tip Calculator

Tip calculators simplify gratuity calculations by automating percentage-based math and bill splitting. This tool takes three inputs: bill amount, tip percentage, and number of people sharing the cost. It then performs real-time calculations using JavaScript to compute the tip amount, total cost, and per-person breakdowns.



The calculator uses JavaScript's built-in number formatting (Intl.NumberFormat) to display results as properly formatted currency, including dollar signs, commas, and two decimal places. This ensures accuracy when dealing with currency—critical for avoiding rounding errors that could cause payment discrepancies.



The real-time reactive interface updates instantly as you adjust values. Using Svelte 5's reactivity system ($derived), calculations automatically recompute whenever you change the bill amount, tip percentage, or number of people. No "Calculate" button needed—results appear immediately, making the experience smooth and intuitive.

1. Restaurant Dining
The most common use case: calculating appropriate gratuity at restaurants. Simply enter your bill total, select a tip percentage based on service quality (15-20% standard in the US), and see the exact tip amount. For group dinners, specify how many people are splitting the bill to get everyone's fair share instantly—no more awkward mental math at the table.



2. Food Delivery & Takeout
Delivery drivers rely on tips as primary income. Calculate appropriate delivery gratuity (typically 10-15% minimum, more for bad weather or long distances). The calculator helps ensure you tip fairly while staying within budget. For large catering orders, calculate percentage-based tips on substantial bills accurately.



3. Bar & Cocktail Service
Bartenders expect $1-2 per drink or 15-20% for larger tabs. Use the calculator to determine fair tips on bar tabs, especially when running a tab for multiple rounds. Helps decide between per-drink flat tips or percentage-based tipping for complex cocktail orders.



4. Group Events & Split Bills
Company lunches, birthday dinners, or group celebrations often involve splitting bills among many people. Enter the total bill and number of attendees to calculate exact per-person amounts including tip. Prevents the "who owes what" confusion and ensures everyone pays their fair share.



5. Service Industry Budgeting
Service workers and restaurant managers can use reverse calculations to understand tip impact on income. Enter target tip amounts to see what percentage customers are tipping, helping evaluate service quality trends or set service standards based on typical gratuity patterns.

• Know regional tipping customs: US standard: 15-20% for restaurants, 10-15% for delivery. Europe: 5-10% or service included. Canada: 15-20%. Australia: Tipping optional. Always research local customs when traveling to avoid under-tipping or over-paying.



• Tip on pre-tax amount: Tipping etiquette debates this, but many recommend calculating tips based on the pre-tax subtotal rather than the final total with tax. This can save 5-10% on your tip calculation without shortchanging service.



• Adjust for service quality: Exceptional service deserves 20-25%. Average service: 15-18%. Poor service: 10-15%, but consider speaking to management for serious issues rather than punishing servers with low tips for kitchen errors or restaurant policy problems.



• Factor in comped items: If the restaurant comps (removes) items due to errors, tip on the original bill amount, not the discounted total. Servers still worked to bring you food, so base gratuity on the full value of service provided.



• Round up for simplicity: Calculated $18.73 per person? Round to $19 or $20 for easier cash splitting. The small extra amount adds up to better tips for service staff and eliminates awkward change requests.



• Use custom percentages for special situations: Holiday dining, large groups (20%+ recommended), or exemplary service in difficult circumstances (accommodating allergies, large party handling) warrant higher custom tip percentages. The calculator's custom slider makes this easy.



• Calculate tips before discounts on final bill: When using gift cards, promotional discounts, or coupons, tip based on the original menu prices, not the discounted amount. Servers provided full service regardless of your discounts.