Tip Out CalcTip Out Guides
Plain-English guides for servers and bartenders on how tip-outs work, what is typical, and how to do the math.
Tip-out rules can be confusing, especially when you start at a new restaurant. These guides explain the common ways tip-outs are set, the share each support role usually gets, and how to check your numbers at the end of a shift. When you are ready to run your own numbers, use the Tip Out Calc calculator.
- How Much Should Servers Tip Out? A Practical GuideThe common ways restaurants set tip-outs, what a typical total looks like, and how to sanity-check your own numbers.Read guide →
- Tip-Out by Role: Bar, Bussers, Hosts, Runners and KitchenTypical ranges for bar, bussers, hosts, food runners and kitchen or expo, plus why each role usually gets a share.Read guide →
- How to Calculate Tip-Out: Step-by-Step With ExamplesStep-by-step math with worked examples for percent of tips, percent of sales and fixed dollar amounts.Read guide →
- Tip Pool vs Tip-Out: What’s the Difference?How tip pools and tip-outs differ, with a worked example of each and the questions to ask at a new job.Read guide →
- Tip-Out on Sales vs Tips: Why the Base MattersWhy 3% of sales and 3% of tips are very different, with worked examples using the same shift.Read guide →
- Tip-Out Etiquette for Servers and BartendersHow to pay tip-outs accurately and on time, talk about money without awkwardness, and handle tricky situations.Read guide →