Tipping in the US can be confusing, especially if you're visiting or new to the country. Here's what's expected in the most common situations, how to work out the numbers quickly, and when you can skip the tip.
Why tipping matters so much in the US
Under federal law, restaurants can pay tipped workers as little as $2.13 an hour in cash wages, as long as tips bring them up to the $7.25 minimum wage. Many states require more, but in much of the country servers earn most of their income from tips. That's why a tip at a sit-down restaurant is expected, not optional.
How much to tip: quick reference
| Service | Typical tip |
|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurant | 18–20% of the pre-tax bill (15% if service was just OK) |
| Buffet | About 10% |
| Takeout or counter service | Optional; 0–10% |
| Food delivery | 15–20%, and at least $3–5 |
| Grocery delivery | 10–15%, and at least $5 |
| Bartender | $1–2 per drink, or 18–20% of the tab |
| Coffee shop | Optional; $1 or the change |
| Taxi or rideshare | 15–20% |
| Hair salon or barber | 15–20% |
| Nail salon or spa | 15–20% |
| Hotel housekeeping | $3–5 per night, left daily |
| Hotel bellhop | $1–2 per bag |
| Valet parking | $3–5 when your car is returned |
| Movers | $20–40 per mover, depending on the job |
Tip more for great service, bad weather, big or complicated orders, and holidays.
Tip chart
| Bill | 15% | 18% | 20% | 22% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20 | $3.00 | $3.60 | $4.00 | $4.40 |
| $30 | $4.50 | $5.40 | $6.00 | $6.60 |
| $40 | $6.00 | $7.20 | $8.00 | $8.80 |
| $50 | $7.50 | $9.00 | $10.00 | $11.00 |
| $60 | $9.00 | $10.80 | $12.00 | $13.20 |
| $75 | $11.25 | $13.50 | $15.00 | $16.50 |
| $85 | $12.75 | $15.30 | $17.00 | $18.70 |
| $100 | $15.00 | $18.00 | $20.00 | $22.00 |
| $125 | $18.75 | $22.50 | $25.00 | $27.50 |
| $150 | $22.50 | $27.00 | $30.00 | $33.00 |
| $200 | $30.00 | $36.00 | $40.00 | $44.00 |
Tip math in your head
- 10%: move the decimal point one place left. 10% of $64.00 is $6.40.
- 20%: find 10% and double it. $6.40 × 2 = $12.80.
- 15%: find 10% and add half of it. $6.40 + $3.20 = $9.60.
- 18%: find 20% and subtract 2% (one fifth of 10%). $12.80 − $1.28 = $11.52.
Should you tip on the tax?
The traditional rule is to tip on the pre-tax amount, since tax isn't part of the service. On an $80 meal with 8.25% tax ($86.60 total), a 20% tip is $16 on the pre-tax bill or $17.32 on the total. Either is fine. Many people tip on the total simply because it's the number on the receipt.
If you used a coupon, gift card or got something comped, tip on the original amount. Your server did the same work.
Check for an automatic gratuity
Many restaurants add an automatic gratuity or service charge, often 18–20%, for groups of six or more. It's printed on the bill. If it's there, you don't need to tip again unless the service was exceptional. Read the receipt before you add a tip.
What about tip screens?
Tablets at coffee shops, bakeries and self-service counters now suggest tips of 15%, 20% or more. Tipping there is genuinely optional. Choose "No tip" or a custom amount without guilt, and save the bigger tips for table service and personal services.
Splitting the bill
For a group, add the tip to the total and then divide, so everyone pays their share of the tip too. The Tip Calculator does both at once: pick a percentage, enter the number of people, and it shows each person's share, with an option to round up to whole dollars.
Traveling outside the US?
Tipping norms vary a lot around the world. In some countries a service charge is already included, and in a few, tipping can even be seen as odd. Check local customs before you go.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 15% tip still acceptable?
Do you tip on takeout?
Should I tip on the amount before or after tax?
Tools mentioned in this guide
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