Working out the tip
A tip is a percentage of the bill. The customary base in the United States is the pre-tax amount, since the tax is not for the service, though many people tip on the total for simplicity; the checkbox lets you do either. The total is then divided evenly by the number of people. For an uneven split, use the per-person figure as a starting point.
Worked example (pre-filled). An $84.50 bill in Atlanta carries 8.9% sales tax, $7.52. An 18% tip on the pre-tax amount is $15.21, so the total is $107.23, or $35.74 each for three people. The table shows the same bill at 15%, 18%, 20%, 22% and 25%.
Georgia's sales tax on restaurant meals is the combined state and local rate for the county or city where the restaurant is, from 6% to 9% on the Department of Revenue's rate chart (DOR General Rate Chart, effective October 1, 2026); the Georgia sales tax calculator lists every county. Whether to tip, and how much, is a personal choice; the percentages here are the common conventions, not a recommendation. A quick mental shortcut for 20% is to move the decimal point one place left and double it.
Formula and assumptions
tip = (bill, or bill + tax if selected) × tip %
total = bill + tax + tip; per person = total ÷ people
- Amounts are rounded to the cent; the per-person figure may not multiply back exactly.
- If the bill already includes tax, set the tax rate to 0.
Frequently asked questions
How much is an 18% tip on $84.50?
$15.21 on the pre-tax amount. With 8.9% tax the total is $107.23, or $35.74 each for three people.
Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
Custom in the US is the pre-tax amount, but tipping on the total is common and simpler. The calculator does either.
What is the sales tax on restaurant food in Georgia?
The combined state and local rate for the location, listed by county on the Georgia DOR rate chart: 4% state plus local taxes, from 6% to 9% in total.
How do I calculate 20% quickly?
Take 10% by moving the decimal point one place left, then double it. 10% of $84.50 is $8.45, so 20% is $16.90.
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Sources
- Georgia Department of Revenue, Sales and Use Tax General Rate Chart, effective October 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026
- Georgia Department of Revenue, Sales Tax Rates – General
This calculator gives general estimates from the figures you enter. It is not tax, legal, payroll or financial advice. See our disclaimer.