Free tool

Tip calculator

Calculate the tip on the pre-tax amount and split the bill across several people. To understand tipping customs in Quebec, read the tipping at restaurants guide.

$
%
1person

Tip

$9.00

Total

$59.00

Frequently asked questions

How much should you tip at a restaurant in Quebec?

The norm at a sit-down restaurant is 15% to 20% on the pre-tax amount. 15% for adequate service, 18% for good service, 20% and up for excellent service. For a coffee to go or a counter, a tip is appreciated but optional.

Is the tip calculated before or after tax?

By convention, the tip is calculated on the pre-tax amount. Since taxes already add 14.975%, tipping on the tax-included total means giving a bit more. This calculator uses the pre-tax amount by default.

Is tipping mandatory?

No, it is not legally required, but it is deeply rooted in the culture. Service staff are paid taking tips into account, so leaving nothing after a sit-down meal is very poorly viewed, except for a serious service problem.

When do you not leave a tip?

You generally do not tip for counter service with no interaction (grocery, pharmacy), or for government services. Payment terminals sometimes suggest a tip in contexts where none is expected: you can choose "none" without any awkwardness.

Is my data saved?

No. The calculation runs entirely in your browser: no information is sent to or stored on our servers.

Related guides

Sources and references

The 15–20% ranges reflect common social custom in Quebec, not a legal obligation. The tip is at your discretion.

Author's note: a quick trick to estimate 15% in your head — take the GST + QST amount printed on the bill (≈ 15%) and leave roughly the same. It isn't exact to the cent, but it's close enough that you're never caught off guard.

Tip calculator for Quebec | La Vie au Québec