Tip Quick Reference Card Generator
Quick Reference Card
Wallet-size printable cheat sheet for a $68.50 bill (tip on the pre-tax subtotal, 8.25% tax). Suggestions are dining conventions, not a legal requirement.
| Tip % | Tip | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $6.85 | $81.00 |
| 15% | $10.28 | $84.43 |
| 18% | $12.33 | $86.48 |
| 20% | $13.70 | $87.85 |
| 25% | $17.13 | $91.28 |
Wallet card tip: print at 100% scale on Letter paper and trim to about 3.5 × 2 in (credit-card size) to keep in your wallet.
What the quick reference card includes
The card is built around one bill amount you choose, so it reflects your own dining pattern instead of a generic table. Each row shows the tip at 10%, 15%, 18%, 20%, and 25%, the tax-inclusive total for that tier, and the per-person share when a group size is set. If you pick a service rating, the suggested tier is highlighted — use it as a starting point, not a mandate.
Toggle the tip base to compute tips on the pre-tax subtotal (most etiquette guidance recommends this, since sales tax goes to the government) or on the tax-inclusive total. The difference on a typical bill is only $1–3, but the card shows both so you can decide.
How to print it wallet-size
Use the Print Card button and choose Letter (8.5 × 11 in) paper with margins around 0.5 in. After printing, trim the card to about 3.5 × 2 in (a credit-card-size rectangle) so it fits a wallet or phone case. The card keeps one bill value per sheet — generate a new card whenever your typical check changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I tip at a restaurant?
For table service in the US, the common dining convention is 15% for acceptable service, 18% for good service, 20% for excellent service, and 20–25% for fine dining or standout service. These are social conventions, not a law — tip what you feel fits the service you received.
How do I calculate a tip quickly?
Multiply the pre-tax bill by the percentage as a decimal. On a $68.50 pre-tax bill: 10% = $6.85, 15% = $10.28, 18% = $12.33, 20% = $13.70, and 25% = $17.13. A quick mental shortcut is to move the decimal for 10% and double it for 20%.
Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
Most etiquette guidance recommends tipping on the pre-tax subtotal, because sales tax is paid to the government, not the server. Tipping on the tax-inclusive total is also common and changes the tip by only a few dollars on a typical bill.
How do I split the bill evenly between people?
Add the pre-tax bill, sales tax, and the tip, then divide by the number of people. For example, a $120 bill with 8% tax and an 18% tip split four ways is about $37.80 per person. The generator shows each tier’s total and per-person share when you enter the group size.
Does the OBBBA no-tax-on-tips law change how much I should tip?
No. Under the OBBBA (H.R. 1, 2025), eligible tipped workers can deduct up to $25,000 of qualified wage-based tips from federal income tax for tax years 2025–2028 (phased out above $150,000 single / $300,000 joint MAGI; Social Security and Medicare still apply). It is an income-tax break for workers — it does not change the customary tip percentages for diners. Source: OBBBA; IRS guidance, retrieved 2026-08-11.