California Tip Calculator
Calculate tips in California. Tipped cash wage $16.90/hr, state minimum $16.90/hr. Split bills and see pre/post-tax tips.
On a $75.00 California restaurant check that includes 7.25% tax, a 20% tip on the food and drink is $13.99, for $88.99 in all.
| Item | California | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Tax on a restaurant bill | 7.25% | California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (statewide rate table), read 2026-10-19 |
| A $75.00 check with tax included | $69.93 food and drink + $5.07 tax | This page's calculator at 7.25% |
| 20% tip on the pre-tax amount | $13.99 | Total $88.99; $10.49 at 15%, $17.48 at 25% |
| Server cash wage before tips | $16.90/hr | U.S. DOL WHD tipped-wage table, rev. 2026-07-01 |
| Applicable minimum wage | $16.90/hr | California minimum wage law, via U.S. DOL WHD Consolidated State Minimum Wage Table. |
| Tip credit the employer may count | None | California does not allow one: tips are paid on top of the full cash wage |
| Cash wages for a 30-hour week before tips | $507.00 | Every dollar of tips is on top |
| Who counts as a tipped employee | More than $30/month in tips | Federal FLSA test (29 U.S.C. §203(t)) |
Bill example: $75.00 is treated as already including 7.25% tax, so the calculator divides by 1.0725 to find the pre-tax amount.
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Adjust values to see instant results
Pre-filled: California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (statewide rate table)
Tip Amount
Estimated • Based on your inputs
Total with Tip
$88.99
Per Person (Total)
$88.99
Detailed Breakdown
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Results should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified professional for your specific situation.
How This Calculator Works
Calculation methodology and assumptions
A restaurant bill in California carries the general state rate of 7.25%. California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (statewide rate table): 7.25% is the statewide base rate. Local layer, per the same source: district taxes add between 0.10% and 2.00%, and an area can have several. The calculator removes that 7.25% from the bill you enter before it prices the tip. California has no tip credit, so the $16.90/hr cash wage is the full minimum and tips come on top.
How the bill, tax and tip are computed (the same in every state)
Frequently Asked Questions
What tax is on a restaurant bill in California?
A restaurant bill in California carries the general state rate of 7.25%. California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (statewide rate table): 7.25% is the statewide base rate. Local layer, per the same source: district taxes add between 0.10% and 2.00%, and an area can have several. On a $75.00 check that includes it, $5.07 is tax and $69.93 is food and drink.
What is the tipped minimum wage in California?
The phrase "tipped minimum wage" commonly refers to the employer cash wage before tips. In California that cash wage is $16.90/hr and the applicable minimum is $16.90/hr. California does not allow a tip credit, so a 30-hour week pays $507.00 in cash wages before any tips. California minimum wage law, via U.S. DOL WHD Consolidated State Minimum Wage Table.