Use the Moving Tip Calculator to find a total or per-mover gratuity from move cost, crew size, hours, a flat amount, percentage, or known total tip.
Moving Tip Formula
Moving tips can be planned as a percentage of the move cost, a flat amount for each mover, or an hourly amount for each mover.
Percentage method:
Total Tip = Moving Cost * Tip Rate
Flat-per-mover method:
Total Tip = Number of Movers * Tip Per Mover
Per-mover-per-hour method:
Total Tip = Movers * Hours * Tip Per Mover-Hour
Tip for each mover:
Tip Per Mover = Total Tip / Number of Movers
Variables:
- Moving Cost is the service charge before the voluntary tip
- Tip Rate is a decimal, such as 0.10 for 10%
- Movers is the number of workers sharing the tip
- Hours is the time worked by each mover
- Tip Per Mover-Hour is a dollar amount for one mover for one hour
The solve-for selector can also work backward from a known total tip. It divides the total by the selected calculation basis to find the implied percent, flat amount per mover, or amount per mover-hour.
Moving Tip Method Comparison
This table compares methods for a $1,200 move completed by four movers working six hours each.
| Method | Entered rate | Total tip | Tip per mover |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percent of move cost | 10% | $120.00 | $30.00 |
| Flat per mover | $25 per mover | $100.00 | $25.00 |
| Per mover-hour | $5 per mover-hour | $120.00 | $30.00 |
| Per mover-hour | $8 per mover-hour | $192.00 | $48.00 |
Example Problems
Example 1: Use a percentage of the moving cost.
A move costs $1,500 and you choose a 10% tip for a three-person crew.
Total tip = $1,500 × 0.10 = $150. Dividing by three gives $50 per mover.
Example 2: Use an hourly amount.
Four movers work for five hours and you choose $6 per mover-hour.
Total tip = 4 × 5 × $6 = $120, which is $30 per mover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which moving-tip method should I use?
Use the method that best matches how you budget. A percentage automatically scales with an expensive move, a flat amount is simple for a short job, and an hourly amount reflects crew size and time.
Do I multiply hours by every mover?
Yes, in the per-mover-hour method. Four movers working six hours represent 24 mover-hours, so a $5 rate produces a $120 total tip.
What if the moving company includes gratuity?
Check the estimate, invoice, and contract before adding a separate tip. If gratuity is already included, use the calculator only for any additional amount you choose to give.
