How much should I tip?

What Is a Tip and Why Do We Tip?

A tip (or gratuity) is a voluntary payment given in addition to the price of a service. In the United States, tips are a significant part of compensation for service workers — many restaurant servers, bartenders, and delivery drivers earn a base wage below the standard minimum wage, with the expectation that tips will make up the difference. Tipping is both a social custom and, in many cases, an economic necessity for the people serving you.

The standard tipping range in the US is 15–20% of the pre-tax bill for sit-down restaurant service. A 20% tip has become the new baseline for good service in many cities, while 15% signals adequate but unremarkable service. For exceptional service, 25% or more is appropriate. Below 15% is generally reserved for genuinely poor service.

Tipping Etiquette by Service Type

Different services have different tipping conventions. Here is a comprehensive guide for 2026:

• Sit-down restaurants: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill. For large parties (6+), many restaurants add an automatic 18–20% gratuity.
• Food delivery: 15–20% of the order total, with a minimum of $3–$5. In bad weather or for large orders, tip on the higher end.
• Hair salon / barber: 20% of the service cost. If the owner cuts your hair, tipping is optional but appreciated.
• Hotel housekeeping: $2–$5 per night, left daily (different staff may clean your room on different days).
• Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): 15–20% of the fare. The app makes it easy to tip after the ride.
• Bartenders: $1–$2 per drink, or 15–20% of the tab if running a tab.
• Valet parking: $2–$5 when your car is returned.
• Movers: $20–$50 per mover for a full-day move, or 15–20% of the total bill split among the crew.

Mental Math Shortcuts for Tipping

You do not need a calculator to figure out a tip at the table. These shortcuts work for any bill amount:

The 10% Method

Start by finding 10% — just move the decimal point one place to the left. On a $65 bill, 10% is $6.50. From there:

• 15% tip: Take 10% and add half of it. $6.50 + $3.25 = $9.75.
• 18% tip: Take 10%, add 10% again, then subtract 2% (which is 10% divided by 5). $6.50 + $6.50 − $1.30 = $11.70. Or simply: double 10% and subtract a small amount.
• 20% tip: Double 10%. $6.50 × 2 = $13.00. This is the easiest tip to calculate, which is one reason 20% has become so popular.
• 25% tip: Take 10%, double it for 20%, then add half of 10%. $6.50 + $6.50 + $3.25 = $16.25. Or simply divide the bill by 4: $65 ÷ 4 = $16.25.

The Round-and-Double Method

For a quick 20% tip, round the bill to the nearest $10, find 10%, and double it. On a $47 bill: round to $50, 10% is $5, double it for $10. You will overshoot slightly, but the math takes two seconds and the server will appreciate the generosity.

Pre-Tax vs. Post-Tax Tipping

Technically, you should tip on the pre-tax subtotal, not the total after tax. Sales tax is money going to the government, not to the restaurant for service. On a $50 pre-tax bill with 8% sales tax ($4), the post-tax total is $54. A 20% tip on the pre-tax amount is $10.00, while 20% on the post-tax amount is $10.80 — a small difference.

In practice, many people tip on the total (including tax) because it is simpler to calculate from the number at the bottom of the receipt. Either approach is perfectly acceptable. The difference is usually less than a dollar and no server will fault you for tipping on the pre-tax amount.

Tipping on Takeout

Tipping on takeout has become more common since 2020, but it remains a gray area. A general guideline: tip 10% on standard takeout orders where someone prepared and packaged your food. For large or complex orders, tip 15–20%. If you are simply picking up a coffee or a pre-made item that required no extra preparation, tipping is appreciated but not expected.

Splitting the Bill with a Tip

When splitting a bill with friends, the simplest approach is to calculate the tip on the full bill first, then divide the total (bill + tip) by the number of people. For a $120 bill with a 20% tip: the tip is $24, making the total $144. Split four ways, that is $36 per person. This avoids the common mistake of each person tipping on their own portion and accidentally under-tipping due to rounding.

International Tipping Differences

Tipping norms vary dramatically around the world. If you travel, understanding local customs helps you avoid both under-tipping and inadvertently offending:

• United States & Canada: 15–20% at restaurants. Expected for most services.
• United Kingdom: 10–15% at restaurants if a service charge is not already included. Check the bill — many UK restaurants add a discretionary service charge automatically.
• Japan: Tipping is not customary and can be considered rude. Excellent service is the cultural standard, not something that requires extra payment.
• European Union (most countries): Service charge is often included in the bill. Rounding up to the nearest euro or leaving small change is appreciated but not required.
• Australia: Tipping is not expected but is becoming more common at upscale restaurants (10% is generous).
• Mexico: 10–15% at restaurants. In tourist areas, 15–20% is common.