Tipping norms in the United States have expanded significantly in recent years, and the rules are not always intuitive. What used to be limited to sit-down restaurants now extends to coffee shops, food trucks, delivery apps, and even self-checkout kiosks. This guide covers the current expected percentages for every common tipping situation, how to calculate tips quickly, and when tipping is genuinely optional vs. socially expected.
| Service | Standard Tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurant | 18–22% | 20% is the current default for good service |
| Buffet restaurant | 10–15% | Staff still clears plates, brings drinks |
| Bartender | $1–$2/drink or 15–20% on tab | More for complex cocktails |
| Delivery (food) | 15–20% or $3–$5 minimum | Higher in bad weather or for large orders |
| Coffee shop | $1–$2 or 10–15% | Optional for counter service; expected for specialty drinks |
| Hairstylist/barber | 15–20% | Based on service cost before products |
| Taxi/rideshare | 15–20% | 15% standard; more for help with luggage |
| Hotel housekeeping | $2–$5/night | Leave daily (different staff may clean each day) |
| Valet | $3–$5 | When car is returned, not when dropped off |
| Movers | $20–$40/mover | Or 15–20% of total bill |
Tipping norms vary by region. Larger cities generally expect higher percentages. Always tip on the pre-tax total for restaurants. Use the Tip Calculator for quick calculations.
You do not need a calculator for most tips. For 20%: move the decimal one place left (that gives 10%), then double it. On a $47.50 bill: 10% = $4.75, doubled = $9.50. For 15%: calculate 10% and add half of it. $4.75 + $2.38 = $7.13. For 18%: calculate 20% and subtract a little. $9.50 − ~$1 = $8.50. Round up to a nice number for convenience.
Pre-tax vs. post-tax tipping: Proper etiquette is to tip on the pre-tax subtotal, not the total after tax. On a $50 pre-tax meal with $4.50 in tax ($54.50 total), a 20% tip should be $10.00 (20% of $50), not $10.90 (20% of $54.50). The difference is small per meal but adds up over time. Most people tip on the post-tax total out of convenience, which is also acceptable — just be aware of the distinction. Use the Tip Etiquette Calculator for situation-specific guidance.
Despite “tip creep” (the expansion of tipping prompts to new contexts), tipping is genuinely optional at: counter-service restaurants where you order at a register and pick up food yourself, self-checkout or retail purchases, takeout orders (though $1–$3 is appreciated), and professional services like doctors, lawyers, and accountants. The key distinction: if someone earns a tipped minimum wage (as low as $2.13/hour in some states), tipping is not optional — it is their primary income. Read our Pay Stub Guide for understanding how wages work.
Tipping customs vary dramatically internationally. In Japan, tipping is considered rude and may cause confusion. In most of Europe, service is included in the price (though rounding up 5–10% is appreciated at sit-down restaurants). In Australia, tipping is not expected but small tips (10%) at restaurants are becoming more common. In Mexico and the Caribbean, 15–20% is expected at restaurants. Always research tipping customs before traveling — what is polite in one country may be offensive in another.
For groups of 6+, many restaurants automatically add an 18–20% gratuity. Check the bill before adding an additional tip. When splitting a bill, calculate the total tip first, then divide evenly — do not have each person tip on their individual portion, as rounding errors and shared items often result in the server receiving less than intended. Use the Tip Split Calculator and Split Expense Calculator for group dining math.
Calculate tips for any situation, split bills, and handle group dining. Use the free Tip Calculator for instant answers — no signup required.
Related tools: Tip Etiquette Calculator · Tip Split Calculator · Split Expense Calculator · Tip by Profession · Budget Calculator · Currency Converter