Illinois Tip Calculator
18–20% standard tip · 6.25% state sales tax · split bills instantly.
Tipping in Illinois
Illinois tipping is anchored by Chicago, where 20% is the expected standard at sit-down restaurants and bars. Cook County adds restaurant taxes pushing total tax above 11% in parts of Chicago — diners typically tip on the pre-tax subtotal.
- ·IL state sales tax is 6.25%; Chicago restaurant tax can reach 11.75% combined.
- ·Chicago bartenders: $1–2/drink minimum, 20% on tabs.
- ·Deep-dish pizza spots and steakhouses: 20% baseline expected.
- ·Rideshare in Chicago: 18–20% is now standard via the in-app prompt.
IL Sales Tax & Tip Math
The default rate here is 6.25% (state sales tax). Tipping is calculated on the pre-tax amount by etiquette, but most diners tip on the post-tax total for simplicity. The difference is small.
| Bill | Tax | Tip (20%) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| $25.00 | $1.56 | $5.00 | $31.56 |
| $50.00 | $3.13 | $10.00 | $63.13 |
| $100.00 | $6.25 | $20.00 | $126.25 |
| $150.00 | $9.38 | $30.00 | $189.38 |
Illinois Tipping FAQ
How much do you tip at restaurants in Illinois?
The standard restaurant tip in Illinois is 18–20% of the pre-tax bill. Illinois tipping is anchored by Chicago, where 20% is the expected standard at sit-down restaurants and bars. Cook County adds restaurant taxes pushing total tax above 11% in parts of Chicago — diners typically tip on the pre-tax subtotal.
What is the tax on restaurant meals in Illinois?
This calculator uses 6.25% (state sales tax) by default. IL state sales tax is 6.25%; Chicago restaurant tax can reach 11.75% combined. Edit the tax field to match your city's exact rate.
Should you tip before or after tax in Illinois?
Etiquette says tip on the pre-tax amount, but tipping on the total is common. On a $100 bill with 6.25% tax, a 20% tip is $20.00 pre-tax or $21.25 post-tax — a difference of $1.25.
Tip Calculators for Other States
Compare tipping and sales tax in all 50 states →