How to Estimate Tips for Waiters

Tipping correctly is a social skill.

Everyone likes to be appreciated. That waiter hurrying back and forth between the kitchen door and your table wants to be appreciated too. One of the marks of a civilized society is the politeness and appreciation that strangers show to each other in public situations. Tipping is a form of this social appreciation and politeness. It is a way of telling your waiter that you appreciate the table service you have been given. Tip correctly when you're dining out.

Instructions

Fifteen-percent Tips

1. Note the total cost of your meal. For example, your meal cost $27.31.

2. Round the cost of your meal up to the nearest whole-dollar amount. For example, you round 27.31 up to 30.00.

3. Move the decimal point one place to the left. For example, you move the decimal point in 30.00 one place to the left to make 3.00.

4. Write this number down. For example, your write "3.00."

5. Divide this number by 2. For example, 3.00/2 = 1.50.

6. Write this second number down. For example you write "1.50."

7. Add the two numbers you have written down. For example, 3.00 + 1.50 = 4.50. The tip you should leave your waiter is $4.50.

Twenty-percent Tips

1. Note the total cost of your meal. For example, your meal cost $27.31.

2. Round the cost of your meal up to the nearest whole-dollar amount. For example, you round 27.31 up to 30.00.

3. Move the decimal point one place to the left. For example, you move the decimal point in 30.00 one place to the left to make 3.00.

4. Multiply this number by 2. For example, 3 x 2 = 6. The tip you should leave your waiter is $6.00.

References

• Triple AAA Math; Estimating Tips; J. Banfill; 2009