Tip Calculator

Tipping in the UK is significantly more relaxed than in the United States: it is genuinely optional, expected only in certain settings, and usually in the 10-12.5% range when given at all. The Tip Calculator works out the tip amount and total bill for any percentage, and splits the result equally between any number of diners — handy when you are settling a restaurant bill, taxi fare or hairdresser appointment with friends or colleagues. The accepted UK convention is roughly: 10-12.5% in sit-down restaurants for good service (often added automatically as a discretionary service charge), 10% to taxi drivers or round up to the nearest pound, 10% to hairdressers (or round up to the nearest £5/£10), £1-£2 per bag for hotel porters, £1-£2 per night for housekeeping, and £1-£3 for food delivery drivers especially in bad weather. Crucially, tipping is NOT expected at pubs for drinks, nor at most coffee shops, takeaways, supermarkets, petrol stations or fast food. Hairdresser, beauty and spa tips are appreciated but not mandatory. UK service charges deserve special attention. Most restaurants in cities now add a discretionary service charge of 10-15% automatically. You are never obliged to pay it: simply ask politely for it to be removed if service was poor or you would prefer to tip in cash. Under the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023, which came into force on 1 October 2024, employers in England, Scotland and Wales must pass on 100% of tips to staff (whether paid by cash, card or service charge) and must have a written tip policy. This means card tips now reach staff in full, removing the historical concern that the venue might keep a share. The calculator also handles bill splitting — even split, by item, or by share of shared dishes — and lets you round the per-person total up to the nearest pound for cash convenience. For business meals, the tip is generally treated as part of the deductible entertaining expense (subject to VAT rules) provided it appears on the receipt.