How much to tip
The short answer for a sit-down restaurant in the US is 18–20% of the bill before tax. Here's the rest of the list, plus a quick way to turn a percentage into dollars.
US tipping guide by service
| Service | Typical tip | On $60.00 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurant | 18–20% | $10.80–$12.00 | On the pre-tax food and drink. 15% is the floor for fine service; go higher for large or demanding tables. |
| Bar drinks | $1–2 per drink or 18–20% of the tab | $10.80–$12.00 | Per drink for simple pours; percentage for cocktails or a running tab. |
| Buffet | 10% | $6.00 | Staff still clear plates and refill drinks. |
| Takeout / counter service | 0–10% | $0.00–$6.00 | Optional. Tip more for large or complicated orders. |
| Food delivery | 15–20%, at least $3–5 | $9.00–$12.00 | More in bad weather, for long distances, or for heavy orders. App "service fees" usually do not go to the driver. |
| Coffee shop | $1 or round up | $0.00–$9.00 | Common for handmade drinks, not expected for drip coffee. |
| Hair salon / barber | 15–20% | $9.00–$12.00 | Tip the assistant who washes your hair a few dollars separately. |
| Nail salon / spa | 15–20% | $9.00–$12.00 | Check whether a service charge is already included at spas. |
| Taxi / rideshare | 15–20% | $9.00–$12.00 | Add $1–2 per bag if the driver handles luggage. |
| Hotel housekeeping | $2–5 per night | — | Leave it daily, since staff can change from day to day. |
| Movers | $20–50 per mover | — | Depends on the length and difficulty of the move. |
Ranges reflect common US etiquette guidance (for example the Emily Post Institute). Customs vary by country: in much of Europe and in Japan, service is included and tipping is small or unnecessary.
Why US tips are so high
Federal law lets employers pay tipped workers a cash wage as low as $2.13 an hour, as long as tips bring them up to the regular minimum wage (US Department of Labor, Fair Labor Standards Act). Several states, including California, require the full minimum wage before tips, but the 18–20% norm is national.
Splitting the tip at a group dinner
When the table orders very different amounts, an even split of the tip makes the light eaters pay part of the heavy eaters' tip. Divide it in proportion to what each person ordered instead: the itemized bill splitter does it automatically, and the tip calculator handles quick even splits.
Working the other side of the counter? The tip pool calculator divides a night's tips among staff by hours worked.
Questions people ask
How much should you tip at a restaurant in the US?
For table service, 18–20% of the pre-tax bill is the current norm in the US; 15% is generally treated as the minimum for acceptable service. Etiquette sources such as the Emily Post Institute give the same range.
Do I tip if a service charge is on the bill?
A line labeled "gratuity" or "service charge" is usually the tip already, especially for large parties. Ask if it is unclear; some restaurants use service charges for staff wages or benefits and still expect a tip.
Should I tip on the tax?
Traditional guidance is to tip on the amount before tax. Tipping on the total is fine and only adds a little. Our tip calculator shows both.
What about the tip prompts on card screens?
Screen prompts at counters often start at 18–25%. For counter service with no table service, tipping is optional; choose "custom" or "no tip" without guilt, and tip more when someone went out of their way.
More ways to split
- Itemized bill splitterAssign each dish to whoever ate it; tax and tip follow.
- Split calculatorSplit evenly, by percentage, by income or by shares.
- Tip calculatorTip on the pre-tax amount, split between any number of people.
- Trip expense calculatorLog who paid for what, get the fewest transfers to settle.
- Split rent calculatorDivide rent by room size, income, or evenly.
- Tip pool calculatorShare pooled tips among staff by hours or points.