Washington, D.C. Tip Calculator
20% standard tip · 10% restaurant meals tax · split bills instantly.
Tipping in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. restaurants expect 20%, and diners face one of the highest restaurant tax rates in the country at 10%. Many D.C. restaurants have added service charges in recent years, so read the bill carefully before tipping.
- ·D.C.'s general sales tax is 6%, but restaurant meals are taxed at 10%.
- ·Many restaurants list a 'service charge' — ask whether it goes to staff, and don't double-tip if it does.
- ·Hotel bars and lounges near the National Mall: 20% on tabs.
- ·Taxis and rideshares: 15–20%.
DC Sales Tax & Tip Math
The default rate here is 10% (restaurant meals 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 | $2.50 | $5.00 | $32.50 |
| $50.00 | $5.00 | $10.00 | $65.00 |
| $100.00 | $10.00 | $20.00 | $130.00 |
| $150.00 | $15.00 | $30.00 | $195.00 |
Washington, D.C. Tipping FAQ
How much do you tip at restaurants in Washington, D.C.?
The standard restaurant tip in Washington, D.C. is 20% of the pre-tax bill. Washington, D.C. restaurants expect 20%, and diners face one of the highest restaurant tax rates in the country at 10%. Many D.C. restaurants have added service charges in recent years, so read the bill carefully before tipping.
What is the tax on restaurant meals in Washington, D.C.?
This calculator uses 10% (restaurant meals tax) by default. D.C.'s general sales tax is 6%, but restaurant meals are taxed at 10%. Edit the tax field to match your city's exact rate.
Should you tip before or after tax in Washington, D.C.?
Etiquette says tip on the pre-tax amount, but tipping on the total is common. On a $100 bill with 10% tax, a 20% tip is $20.00 pre-tax or $22.00 post-tax — a difference of $2.00.
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