Tip Calculator UK 2025

Calculate restaurant tips, split bills between friends, and work out service charges. Includes comprehensive UK tipping guide for restaurants, pubs, hotels, taxis, hairdressers, and delivery services.

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UK Tipping Guide 2025

Tipping culture in the UK differs significantly from the US. Here's what's expected in different situations.

Restaurants

10-15%

If no service charge

Pubs & Bars

Optional

"One for yourself" £1-2

Taxis

Round up

Or 10% for long trips

Hairdressers

10%

Or £2-5 fixed

Hotels

£1-5

Per service/night

Delivery

£1-3

Appreciated not expected

New UK Tipping Law (October 2024)

From 1 October 2024, the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act requires employers to pass 100% of tips and service charges to workers. This means:

  • All tips must go to staff, not employers
  • Tips must be distributed fairly (via written policy)
  • Workers can request tip records for the past 3 years
  • Applies to card tips, cash tips, and service charges

What this means for you: Your tips now definitely reach the staff who served you, making tipping more meaningful than ever.

Understanding Service Charges

Many UK restaurants add a discretionary service charge (typically 10-12.5%) to bills. Important points:

  • It's optional: You can legally ask for it to be removed if service was poor
  • Check your bill: Look for "service charge" or "discretionary gratuity"
  • Don't double-tip: If service charge is included, no additional tip is expected
  • Ask if unsure: Staff must tell you if service charge is included

UK vs US Tipping Culture: Key Differences

Aspect United Kingdom United States
Restaurant Standard 10-15% (optional) 18-25% (expected)
Base Wage £11.44/hour minimum $2.13/hour (tipped workers)
Service Charge Often included (12.5%) Rarely included
Counter Service Not expected Often prompted
Pub/Bar Drinks Not customary $1-2 per drink
Taxi Tipping Round up fare 15-20% of fare
Hotel Housekeeping £2-5/night (optional) $2-5/night (expected)
Cultural Attitude Reward for good service Essential income supplement

Why UK Tips Are Lower

UK hospitality workers receive at least the National Minimum Wage (currently £11.44/hour for adults 21+), meaning tips genuinely are a bonus rather than essential income. In the US, tipped workers can be paid as little as $2.13/hour federally, making tips their primary income source.

Complete UK Tipping Etiquette Guide

Restaurants & Cafes

Sit-down restaurant (no service charge) 10-15%
Sit-down restaurant (with service charge) Nothing extra
Fast food / Counter service Not expected
Buffet restaurant 5-10%
Takeaway collection Not expected

Hotels & Accommodation

Porter / Bellhop £1-2 per bag
Housekeeping £2-5 per night
Concierge (special requests) £5-10
Room service 10-15% (if no charge)
Valet parking £2-5

Transport

Black cab / Licensed taxi Round up or 10%
Uber / Private hire Optional via app
Airport transfer £5-10
Tour guide / Driver £5-20 per day

Personal Services

Hairdresser / Barber 10% or £2-5
Spa therapist 10-15%
Tattoo artist 10-20%
Personal trainer Not expected
Beauty treatments 10% or £2-5

Delivery Services

Food delivery (Deliveroo, Just Eat) £1-3
Large item delivery £5-10
Grocery delivery £2-5 (optional)
Amazon/Courier packages Not expected

Smart Bill Splitting Tips

  • Add tip before splitting: Calculate tip on total, then divide for fairness
  • Round up: When splitting, round up to avoid awkward change
  • Use apps: Splitwise and similar apps track who owes what
  • One person pays: Simplest for restaurants - settle up via bank transfer later
  • Ask for separate bills: Many UK restaurants accommodate this if asked in advance

When Tipping Isn't Expected in the UK

No Tip Needed

  • GP surgeries and NHS services
  • Government services
  • Counter service (coffee shops)
  • Self-service petrol stations
  • Retail shop assistants
  • Estate agents

Situational

  • Pub drinks (at the bar)
  • Dentist/private healthcare
  • Plumbers/electricians
  • Car mechanics
  • Gym staff
  • Tour operators (included)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should you tip in UK restaurants? +
In UK restaurants, a tip of 10-15% is standard if service charge isn't included. If the service was exceptional, 15-20% is generous. If service charge is already added to your bill (usually 12.5%), no additional tip is expected unless you want to reward outstanding service. Always check your bill carefully - many restaurants add discretionary service charges automatically.
Is tipping mandatory in the UK? +
No, tipping is not mandatory in the UK - it's always discretionary. Unlike in the US, UK hospitality workers receive at least the National Minimum Wage (£11.44/hour for 21+ as of April 2024), so tips are a bonus rather than essential income. However, tipping for good service is customary in restaurants, and from October 2024 new laws require employers to pass 100% of tips to workers.
What's the difference between service charge and tip? +
Service charge is added automatically to your bill by the restaurant (typically 10-12.5%) and historically didn't always go to staff. A tip is a voluntary amount you choose to give. From October 2024, UK law requires that both service charges and tips must be passed to workers in full. You can ask for service charge to be removed if you prefer to tip directly.
Do you tip in UK pubs and bars? +
Tipping in UK pubs and bars is less common than in restaurants. For drinks at the bar, tipping isn't expected. However, if ordering food at a pub or if table service is provided, 10% is appropriate for good service. Some people offer to buy the bartender "one for yourself" - typically worth around £1-2.
Should I tip cash or card in the UK? +
With the new October 2024 tipping law, both cash and card tips must now be passed to workers in full. However, cash tips remain popular as they're immediate and some staff prefer them. Card tips through the bill or contactless machines are increasingly common and now legally protected. Either method is acceptable in modern UK dining.
How much do you tip Christmas deliveries? +
Christmas tipping in the UK is traditional for regular service providers. Suggested amounts: Postman/woman £5-20, Bin collectors £5-10 (per person), Newspaper deliverer £10-20, Regular delivery drivers £5-10, Milkman £10-20. These are typically given in late December with a Christmas card. There's no obligation, but it's a nice way to show appreciation for year-round service.

James has worked in UK hospitality management for over 15 years and specialises in service industry economics. This calculator reflects current UK tipping customs and the October 2024 Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act requirements.

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