How do you calculate a tip based on total bills?

To determine an appropriate tip for a service, multiplying the total bill by the desired tip percentage is the standard method used in the hospitality industry. This approach ensures that the tip correlates directly with the overall amount spent, allowing for a fair compensation based on the level of service provided. For example, if the bill totals $100 and the chosen tip percentage is 18%, the calculation would be $100 x 0.18, resulting in an $18 tip.

Using a fixed percentage allows for flexibility in dining experiences—larger bills will yield larger tips, which is generally more equitable for servers who provide attentive service. This method also conforms to common social expectations regarding tipping norms.

Other methods, such as taking a flat percentage or adding a flat fee, do not adjust based on the service experience or total expenditure and may lead to under-tipping in cases of higher bills. Estimating based on facial expressions is not a reliable or fair method for determining tips, as it does not take into account the actual services rendered or the overall dining experience.