How much to tip in the UK
Tipping in the UK is optional, but in sit-down restaurants 10% to 12.5% is usual for good service. Many restaurants add a discretionary service charge, often 12.5%, to the bill. If it's there, you don't need to tip again, and you can ask for it to be removed if the service was poor. Tipping is less expected in pubs (where you can offer to "get one for the bartender"), at takeaways or with taxi drivers, where people usually round up.
Do staff get the tip?
Since the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023 came into force on 1 October 2024, employers in Great Britain must pass all tips, gratuities and service charges to workers without deductions, and must have a written tipping policy. Cash tips given straight to a waiter are theirs to keep.
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal tip in a UK restaurant?
10–12.5%, unless a service charge is already included.
Is a service charge compulsory?
No. If it is labelled discretionary or optional, you can ask for it to be removed.
How to use the Tip Calculator
- Type the amount in pounds.
- Enter the percentage or number of people.
- Read the result instantly; it updates as you type.
- Copy the figure or adjust the inputs to compare options.
Why use this Tip Calculator
100% in your browser
Nothing you enter is uploaded or stored.
Instant results
Updates as you type, no waiting.
Mobile friendly
Works on phones, tablets and desktops.
Light & dark mode
Follows your mfaysal.com theme.
Free, no account
No sign-up, no limits, no watermark.
Explained
Formulas, tables and sources on the page.
Tip Calculator: chart and reference data
Source: exact arithmetic
| People | Each pays |
|---|---|
| 2 | £67.50 |
| 3 | £45.00 |
| 4 | £33.75 |
| 5 | £27.00 |
| 6 | £22.50 |
| 8 | £16.88 |
Tip Calculator compared with the alternatives
| Option | Speed | Mistake risk | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| This calculator | Instant | Low | Free |
| Mental maths | Fast | Medium | Free |
| Phone calculator | Fast | Medium (order of steps) | Free |
Who uses it in the UK
- Checking shop sale prices on the high street or online
- Splitting restaurant bills fairly
- Working out pay rises and price changes
- Homework and quick office maths
More questions
Is service charge compulsory in UK restaurants?
No. A discretionary service charge can be refused. Since October 2024 the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act requires employers to pass all tips and service charges to workers.
Why do percentage up and down not cancel out?
Because each percentage is taken of a different base. A 20% fall then a 20% rise leaves you at 96% of the start.
Does it work for VAT?
For VAT use the dedicated VAT calculator, which also removes VAT correctly from gross prices.
Should I tip on the whole bill or before the service charge?
Check the bill first. If a service charge is already added, you do not need to tip again unless you want to.
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