A tip is usually a percentage of a restaurant check. The percent is a social custom and personal choice—not a Nestfigure recommendation. The arithmetic is simple once you choose a base and a percent.
Core idea
Tip = tip base × (tip% ÷ 100)
Many people use the bill total as the tip base. Others tip on the pretax subtotal when tax is shown separately.
Sample
$80 · 20% → tip about $16.00, total about $96.00. Open sample
Related
Frequently asked questions
What is restaurant tip math?
Multiply a tip base (usually the check total) by a tip percent you choose.
Sample 20% on $80?
About $16.00 tip and $96.00 total.
Sources linked above include U.S. government materials (for example CFPB, FDIC, NCUA, BLS, IRS) where noted. Sample math uses only labeled Nestfigure assumptions—not bank quotes, job offers, or personalized advice. Last reviewed: August 9, 2026.