Question 1

How much is an 18% tip?

Accepted Answer

Multiply the pre-tax subtotal by 0.18. $20 bill → $3.60 tip → $23.60 total; $50 bill → $9.00 tip → $59.00 total; $100 bill → $18.00 tip → $118.00 total. On $86.40 that is $15.55 tip and $101.95 total.

Question 2

Why do so many terminals suggest 18%?

Accepted Answer

It is a compromise button: higher than the old 15% default, lower than 20% or 25%, and easy to print on a 3-button pad. The pad is a suggestion, not a requirement. You can usually tap custom and type a different percent or a dollar amount.

Question 3

Is 18% the same as auto-gratuity?

Accepted Answer

Often, but not always. Auto-gratuity is a house-added service charge — sometimes 18%, sometimes 20%, sometimes a dollar amount — and it may be taxed differently than a voluntary tip. If the check already includes a service charge, decide whether you want to add more; do not assume the 18% button on the terminal is extra on top unless the receipt is clear.

Question 4

Should I tip 18% before or after tax?

Accepted Answer

Same rule as other restaurant percents: customary US practice is pre-tax. An 18% auto-gratuity printed by the point-of-sale is usually applied to the food-and-drink subtotal. If you only have a tax-inclusive total, use the toggle so you are not guessing.

Question 5

Is 18% enough for full-service dinner?

Accepted Answer

In many US cities 18% is acceptable and 20% is the warmer default. For a tasting menu, a large party with extra running, or a city where terminals start at 20/25/30, 18% can feel dated. Customs vary; this calculator will not tell your server how they feel about it.

Question 6

How do I reverse-check an 18% line on a receipt?

Accepted Answer

Take the service-charge line and divide by the pre-tax subtotal, then multiply by 100. Close to 18.00 means they applied 18% cleanly. A few cents of drift is rounding. A big gap usually means the charge was applied to a different base (after tax, after drinks, or after a discount).

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