How Much Should You Tip? A Complete US Guide
Tipping norms in the United States have shifted significantly over the past decade. What was once a 15% standard has moved closer to 18–20% for table service at restaurants. Here is a full breakdown by service type:
| Service Type | Standard Tip | Excellent Service | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant (sit-down) | 18–20% | 22–25% | Tip on pre-tax amount |
| Bar / Bartender | $1–2 per drink | 15–20% of tab | At a cash bar, $1/drink minimum |
| Food delivery | 15–20% | 20%+ | Minimum $3–5 for small orders |
| Takeout / Counter | 0–10% | 10–15% | Optional but appreciated |
| Taxi / Rideshare | 15–20% | 20%+ | Add extra for luggage help |
| Hair salon / Barber | 15–20% | 20–25% | Tip stylist, not salon owner |
| Hotel housekeeping | $2–5/night | $5–10/night | Leave daily, not just checkout |
| Hotel valet / Bellhop | $2–5 per trip | $5–10 | Tip when car/bags retrieved |
| Massage therapist | 18–20% | 25% | Medical/clinical: optional |
| Nail salon | 15–20% | 25% | Cash preferred by many techs |
| Coffee shop (counter) | $0–1 | 10–15% | Entirely optional |
| Pizza delivery | $3–5 flat | $5–8 | More for long distance/bad weather |
Pre-Tax or Post-Tax Tipping?
Tipping on the pre-tax amount is technically the traditional "correct" approach — you are rewarding service, not reimbursing the government. However, tipping on the post-tax total is now more common and easier to calculate. On a $100 bill with 8% tax, the difference between tipping 20% on $100 ($20) vs. 20% on $108 ($21.60) is just $1.60. Most servers will never notice, but on a $500 business dinner the difference becomes $8 — worth thinking about.
How to Split a Bill Unevenly
This calculator handles equal splits. For unequal splits where people ordered different amounts:
- Calculate the tip percentage on the entire bill (e.g., 20% of $200 = $40).
- Add the tip to get the total ($240).
- Determine each person's share of the food: Person A ordered $80 of food, Person B ordered $120.
- Apply the same tip percentage to each person's amount: A pays $80 × 1.20 = $96; B pays $120 × 1.20 = $144.
For parties where some people drank alcohol and others did not, separate the drinks from the food, split each appropriately, then add the calculated tip.
Tip Pooling: How Restaurant Tips Are Shared
Many restaurants use tip pooling — your server does not keep 100% of the tip you leave. Pooled tips are distributed among the entire service team: servers, bussers, food runners, bartenders, and sometimes kitchen staff. This means a generous 25% tip benefits the whole team, not just your server. Tip pooling is legal under federal law as long as all tipped employees participate and the employer does not take a share.
When Is It Okay Not to Tip?
Tipping is customary, not legally required, in the United States. It is generally acceptable to leave no tip or a reduced tip in cases of genuinely poor service — not slow service due to a busy restaurant, but actual rudeness, incorrect orders repeatedly unfixed, or significant neglect. If you have a concern, speak to the manager rather than using the tip as a silent protest — servers may not know what went wrong.
Tipping Outside the United States
Tipping customs vary enormously worldwide. In Japan, tipping is considered rude — wages are set to reflect full compensation. In most of Europe, rounding up or leaving 5–10% is polite but not expected. In Australia, tipping is optional and 10% is generous. In Canada, 15–20% is standard, similar to the US. Always research local customs before traveling abroad.