Calculate a tip and split the bill between any number of people.
ℹ
Updated for the 2025/26 UK tax year.
About the 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.
How to use this calculator
1
Enter the bill amount
Type in the total bill before tip but including VAT and any service charge that has been added. UK restaurant prices on menus must include VAT by law.
2
Choose a tip percentage
Pick 10%, 12.5%, 15% or a custom amount. UK norms are 10-12.5% for good service; 15%+ is generous. Skip the tip entirely if a service charge is already included and you do not want to pay extra.
3
Set the number of diners
Enter the number of people splitting the bill. The calculator can also split by individual items if some people had more than others.
4
Review the totals
See the tip amount, total bill (subtotal + tip) and amount per person. Optionally round each person share up to the nearest pound for cash payment convenience.
5
Decide on payment method
Pay by card or cash — under the 2024 Allocation of Tips Act, 100% of either reaches staff. Use the per-person totals to settle bills via bank transfer if splitting between friends after the meal.
Common mistakes to avoid
!Confusing CPI and RPI — UK official measure is CPI since 2010; RPI usually ~0.8pp higher but legacy use only (rail fares, student loans pre-2023).
!Calculating percentage increase vs decrease incorrectly — a 50% rise then 50% fall does NOT return to start (it leaves you 25% down).
!Treating UK and US pints/gallons as interchangeable — UK pint 568ml, US pint 473ml. Recipes often need conversion.
!Ignoring leap years in date-difference calculations — important for SDLT 3-year reclaim window and CGT 60-day reporting.
Tipping in the UK is optional. For restaurants, 10-15% is typical for good service. Some restaurants add a service charge automatically. Tips are not expected at pubs for drinks.
Should I tip if a service charge has been added?
If a restaurant adds a discretionary service charge, you can ask for it to be removed if unhappy with service. You are never obliged to pay it. You should not feel obliged to tip on top.
How much do I tip a UK taxi driver?
Tipping UK taxi drivers is optional and modest. The common convention is to round up to the nearest pound, or add roughly 10% for a longer journey. Black cab drivers and Uber drivers receive tips in similar amounts; with Uber you can also tip via the app after the ride. Tipping is not expected for short trips or commute fares.
Do I tip hairdressers, beauticians and spa staff in the UK?
Tipping in UK salons and spas is appreciated but not mandatory. The common range is 10% of the bill, or simply rounding up to the nearest £5 or £10. For larger services such as colour treatments, £5-£10 is generous. Some salons have a tip box at reception so tips can be shared with assistants and apprentices.
How do UK service charges work legally?
A discretionary service charge can be added to UK restaurant bills but customers can request its removal. Since 1 October 2024 under the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023, employers in England, Scotland and Wales must pass on 100% of tips to staff (cash, card or service charge) and have a written tip policy. Mandatory service charges must appear on the menu.
Do I tip for takeaways and food delivery in the UK?
Tipping for collected takeaways is uncommon. For delivery via Deliveroo, Uber Eats or Just Eat, tipping is appreciated but optional — typically £1-£3, especially in bad weather. App tips usually pass through to riders, though check the platform terms. Cash tips at the door are also welcome and always reach the driver in full.
Is tipping different in London compared to the rest of the UK?
Tipping conventions are broadly similar across the UK, but London restaurants are more likely to add an automatic 12.5% service charge given international expectations and higher staff costs. Outside London, automatic service charges are less common. Either way, the 10-12.5% range remains the UK norm and tipping is always voluntary.
How do I split a bill fairly when people ordered different amounts?
For very different orders, split by item — each person pays for what they had plus a share of any shared dishes, drinks and the service charge. For roughly similar orders, an even split is simpler. Apps like Splitwise, Monzo Plus shared tabs, and Revolut groups make settling up via bank transfer easy after the meal.
Do I tip hotel staff in the UK?
UK hotel tipping is modest. Common amounts are £1-£2 per bag for porters, £1-£2 per night for housekeeping (left at checkout or daily), £2-£5 for concierge if they arrange something special, and small change for room service if a service charge has not been added. Tipping is not expected at budget hotels or B&Bs.
Are tips taxable in the UK?
Yes — tips are taxable income for staff and must be declared. Tips paid directly in cash are the worker responsibility to declare via Self Assessment or PAYE. Tips processed through the employer payroll or a tronc system have tax deducted automatically. National Insurance applies to tips paid via the employer but not to direct cash tips between customer and worker.