How Much Should You Tip? A Complete Tipping Guide

Tipping can be confusing — percentages vary by service, customs differ by country, and new tipping prompts on payment terminals have changed expectations. This guide breaks down standard tipping practices in the United States so you can tip confidently in any situation.

Restaurant Tipping

Restaurants are where tipping matters most, as servers often earn a base wage well below minimum wage and depend on tips for the majority of their income.

• Sit-down restaurants: 15% to 20% of the pre-tax bill. 20% is now considered the standard for good service.
• Buffet: 10% — someone is still clearing plates and refilling drinks.
• Counter service/fast casual: 0% to 15% — this is optional but increasingly prompted on terminals.
• Bartenders: $1 to $2 per drink, or 15% to 20% of a tab.

Tip on the pre-tax amount. If your meal is $50 before tax, a 20% tip is $10. You should not be calculating the tip on the tax portion.

Quick Tip Calculation Methods

• 20% method: Move the decimal point one place left to get 10%, then double it. For a $65 bill: 10% = $6.50, double = $13.00.
• 15% method: Calculate 10%, then add half of that. For $65: 10% = $6.50, half = $3.25, total = $9.75.
• Dollar-per-five method: For a quick estimate, tip $1 for every $5 spent. That works out to exactly 20%.

Delivery and Takeout

• Food delivery (apps): 15% to 20%, with a minimum of $3 to $5. Drivers use their own vehicles and fuel.
• Pizza delivery: 15% to 20%, minimum $3.
• Grocery delivery: 10% to 15% or at least $5.
• Takeout: 0% to 10% — optional, but a few dollars is appreciated, especially for large or complex orders.

Personal Services

• Hair stylist/barber: 15% to 20% of the service cost.
• Spa/massage: 15% to 20%.
• Nail technician: 15% to 20%.
• Tattoo artist: 15% to 25% — higher end for exceptional custom work.

Travel and Hospitality

• Hotel housekeeping: $2 to $5 per night, left daily (different staff may clean each day).
• Bellhop/porter: $1 to $2 per bag.
• Valet parking: $2 to $5 when your car is returned.
• Tour guides: 10% to 20% of the tour cost.
• Taxi/rideshare: 15% to 20%.

Calculate Your Tip Instantly

Use our tip calculator to quickly calculate the right tip amount and split the bill evenly among your group — no mental math required.

Tipping well is a way to acknowledge good service and support the people who make your experiences enjoyable. When in doubt, err on the generous side — a few extra dollars makes a real difference to service workers.