Direct answer
How automatic gratuity works
A charge labeled automatic gratuity is often added by the business. Check the receipt to see whether it is required. A voluntary tip is an amount you choose to add.
Automatic gratuity calculator
Automatic Gratuity Calculator
Calculate automatic gratuity, sales tax, optional extra tip, total bill, and per-person split for large parties and restaurant service bills.
Use this tool for personal bill estimates. Receipt wording and local rules can vary, so ask the business when a required charge is unclear.
Bill estimate
Add charge, tax, tip, and split
Enter the numbers from your receipt. The result updates as you type.
Total bill
$126.00
Automatic gratuity$18.00
Tax$8.00
Extra tip$0.00
Each person pays$63.00
Formula
How this calculator works
- Charge = bill subtotal × charge rate + fixed charge
- Tax = bill subtotal × tax rate
- Total = bill subtotal + tax + charge + optional extra tip
- Each person pays = total ÷ number of people
Large-party receipt
Check the charge on the receipt
A charge labeled automatic gratuity is often added to a large-party or event bill. Check whether the receipt lists it as required. Include a required charge before deciding whether to add a voluntary tip.
Before you add more
Check the receipt language and percentage
Look for the exact percentage, fixed amount, and subtotal used by the business. Once you know whether the charge is required, decide whether you want to add a voluntary tip.
Examples
Common bill examples
These examples are quick estimates. Your receipt may use different tax or charge wording.
18% automatic gratuity on $150
Automatic gratuity: $27.00. With 8% tax, the estimated total is $189.00 before any optional extra tip.
Large party example
A $300 group bill with 20% automatic gratuity and 8% tax totals about $384.00, or $48.00 each for 8 people.
Extra tip comparison
Use the optional extra tip field only if you want to leave more than the included gratuity.
When to add an extra tip
When a receipt lists a charge as required, include it in the bill before deciding whether to add a voluntary tip. The calculator shows the amounts separately so you can make that choice clearly.
Accuracy note
USTipCalc does not decide whether a service charge goes to staff. It only helps estimate the bill. If the receipt is unclear, ask the restaurant, hotel, or business.
Automatic Gratuity Calculator FAQs
Is automatic gratuity the same as a tip?
A charge labeled automatic gratuity is often added by the business. A voluntary tip is chosen by the customer. Check the receipt to see whether the charge is required.
Do I need to add an extra tip if automatic gratuity is included?
Check the receipt first. When it lists the charge as required, include it in the bill before deciding whether to add a voluntary tip.
Why do restaurants add automatic gratuity?
Restaurants often add automatic gratuity for large parties, banquets, events, or special services where the business wants a fixed service amount.
Should I ask the restaurant if I am unsure?
Yes. If the receipt wording is unclear, ask the business whether the listed charge is required. USTipCalc does not determine where a charge goes.