The bill arrives. Everyone stares at it. Someone pulls out a phone. Here’s how to be the person who just says the number.

The 10% Base Method

Every tip calculation starts with 10%. Move the decimal.

Bill: 2,847. 10% = 284.70.

From there:

• 10% tip: 285. Done.
• 15% tip: 285 + half of 285 (143) = 428.
• 20% tip: 285 x 2 = 570.
• 25% tip: 285 x 2.5 = 285 + 285 + 143 = 713.

The Double-the-Tax Trick (India specific)

In India, if your bill has 5% GST, doubling the tax gives you a 10% tip. If the GST is 18% on the food portion, the tax amount itself is roughly a good tip.

Splitting the Bill

The easiest approach: round the total (bill + tip) to a number divisible by the number of people.

Bill is 3,200, four people, 15% tip:

• Tip: ~480
• Total: ~3,680
• Round to 3,700 or 3,800
• Per person: 925 or 950

Nobody fights over 25 rupees. Round generously and move on.

Quick Reference

Bill	10%	15%	20%
500	50	75	100
1,000	100	150	200
2,000	200	300	400
3,000	300	450	600
5,000	500	750	1,000

Tipping Norms

• India: 10-15% at restaurants. Not expected at dhabas or street food.
• USA: 18-20% is standard. 15% is the minimum. Servers depend on tips for income.
• Europe: Service charge often included. 5-10% extra for great service.
• Japan: Don’t tip. It can be considered rude.
• UK: 10-12.5%. Check if service charge is already added.

When a Service Charge Is Already Added

Many Indian restaurants add 5-10% service charge. You’re not legally required to pay it (CCPA has clarified this). But if the service was good, it replaces your tip. No need to double-tip unless you want to.

The Real Rule

Tip what feels right based on the service. The mental math is just so the arithmetic doesn’t get in the way of the gesture.