Italy Tip Calculator
In Italy a "coperto" cover charge often replaces a tip. Leave about 5 to 10 percent for good service.
Coperto covers it — tip is optionalEnter your details above, then press Calculate to see the tip, total and per-person amount.
Tipping customs vary by country and change over time. These figures are estimates for planning only — always follow the local norm and check whether a service charge is already on the bill.
Light tipping, by design
Italian tipping is light because the bill often already includes a cover charge or service fee. Locals mainly round up or leave small change, and no one expects a strict percentage. If you had a memorable meal, leaving five to ten percent or rounding the total is a kind acknowledgment — but skipping it entirely will not cause offense the way it might in the United States.
The coperto cover charge
Many Italian restaurants add a "coperto", a per-person cover charge for the table, bread and service. It is not a tip, but it means service is partly accounted for in what you already pay. You may also see "servizio" on the receipt, which can be a service fee. Because of these charges, an extra tip is not expected the way it is in the US.
Check the receipt for "coperto" or "servizio" before deciding to add more. If a service fee is already listed, additional tipping is purely optional.
A little extra for good service
If the service was genuinely good and no service fee appears, leaving about 5 to 10 percent or rounding up is appreciated. Italians themselves often just leave small change rather than a calculated percentage. At a cafe, leaving a few cents is normal. As always, follow the local relaxed habit rather than a fixed rule.
Worked example
A €70 Rome dinner with a €3 coperto per person for two.
| Bill (incl. coperto) | €76.00 |
| Extra tip (optional) | €4 to €8 |
| Total if you add | €80 to €84 |
The coperto already covers basic service, so any extra is your choice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the coperto in Italy?
It is a per-person cover charge for the table, bread and service. It is not a tip but reduces the need to leave one.
What does "servizio" on the receipt mean?
It is a service fee. If present, additional tipping is optional.
How much should I tip in Italy?
About 5 to 10 percent for good service, or just round up. Many locals leave small change.
Tipping at Italian cafes?
A few cents left on the saucer is normal; no percentage is expected.