Tattoo Tip Calculator

You got inked—now tip right. Quick, fair tattoo tip calculator for your artist.

Tool Icon Tattoo Tip Calculator

Tattoo Tip Calculator

Calculate an appropriate tip for your artist based on session cost and experience

Enter Tattoo Session Cost

Input the base price of your tattoo session

$
Enter the amount quoted by your artist (Excl. Deposit)
Calculation History:
No calculations yet
Tipping Guidelines:
15-20% Standard

The industry standard for great artistic service in the US.

Junior Artists

Consider tipping well as they are building their kits and skills.

Master Artists

If they own the shop, tipping is still appreciated for custom work.

Long Sessions

For sessions over 6 hours, consistency in tipping is valued.

Non-Cash Tips

Many artists love gifts like art supplies, coffee, or treats.

No Requirement

Tips are never mandatory but always respected in the industry.

How to Use:
  1. Enter the base session cost (excluding deposit if applicable).
  2. Select your desired tip percentage or enter a custom one.
  3. Fill in session details like duration and experience for a more detailed summary.
  4. Click Calculate Tip to see your total payout and breakdown.

About This Tool

So you just got inked—congrats, by the way—and now you’re staring at the bill, wondering how much to tip your artist. It’s not like tipping at a restaurant where 20% is the default. Tattoo tipping? That’s a whole different game. This Tattoo Tip Calculator exists because, honestly, no one wants to do math while riding the high (or low) of fresh ink. Whether you’re getting your first tiny heart behind your ear or a full sleeve that took six sessions, tipping should reflect the time, skill, and care that went into your piece. It’s simple. Plug in the cost, pick how happy you are with the work, and boom—you’ve got a fair tip amount. No guilt, no second-guessing. Just respect for someone who turned your skin into art.

Key Features

  • Quick tip calculation based on total cost and satisfaction level
  • Customizable percentage options—because not all tattoos are created equal
  • Works for single sessions or multi-session pieces
  • No sign-up, no ads, no nonsense—just open and use
  • Explains why tipping matters in the tattoo world (hint: artists pay for their own supplies and studio time)

FAQ

Do I really have to tip my tattoo artist?
Short answer: yes. Unlike waitstaff, tattoo artists aren’t salaried employees. They cover their own equipment, studio fees, and aftercare costs. A tip isn’t just nice—it’s part of supporting their craft. Think of it like paying a contractor. You don’t skip the tip because the job was “expected.”

What if I’m not happy with the tattoo?
That’s a tough spot. If it’s a technical issue—like uneven lines or poor shading—talk to your artist first. Most will fix it for free. But if you’re just disappointed with the design, tipping less (or not at all) might feel right. Still, consider the effort. Even a “meh” tattoo took hours of work. A small tip or a heartfelt thanks can go a long way.