Everyday · 4 min read
How Much Should You Tip?
Figuring out how much to tip comes down to picking a percentage and applying it to the right amount, but the norms shift depending on the type of service. Our tip calculator handles the math and splits the bill for a group, and the guidelines below cover what percentage actually fits each situation.
Standard tipping percentages for restaurants
In the United States, 15 to 20 percent of the pre-tax bill is the standard range for sit-down restaurant service. 15 percent generally reads as an acceptable baseline, 18 to 20 percent as a reflection of good service, and above 20 percent as a way to recognize exceptional service. These figures are conventions rather than fixed rules, and they can vary somewhat by region and by the type of establishment.
A fast way to calculate 20 percent without a calculator
Find 10 percent of the bill first by moving the decimal point one place to the left, then double that number to get 20 percent. On a $42 bill, 10 percent is $4.20, so 20 percent is $8.40. For 15 percent, find 10 percent, then add half of that amount again: $4.20 plus $2.10 comes to $6.30.
Tipping on the pre-tax or post-tax total
Tipping guidance is generally based on the bill before tax is added, since sales tax is a government charge unrelated to the service provided. In practice, many people simplify by tipping a percentage of the total including tax, which usually only changes the final tip by a small amount unless the local tax rate is unusually high.
Splitting a tip among a group
For a shared meal, calculate the tip on the full bill first, then divide the total, food plus tax plus tip, by the number of people splitting it. If four people share a $120 bill and leave a 20 percent tip, the total comes to $144, or $36 per person. Splitting evenly like this is simplest, though some groups prefer each person to tip on their own portion of the order instead.
When a gratuity is already included
Many restaurants automatically add an 18 to 20 percent gratuity for large parties, often starting around six to eight guests, and this is usually printed clearly on the check. Check the bill for a line labeled gratuity or service charge before adding an additional tip, since tipping on top of an automatic gratuity is easy to do by accident when splitting a check quickly.
Tipping outside of restaurants
Delivery drivers are commonly tipped a flat amount or a percentage similar to restaurant service, often with a minimum of a few dollars regardless of order size to account for the driver's time and fuel. Buffets and counter service, where staff do less table-side work, typically call for a lower percentage than full table service, often closer to 10 percent. Salons, taxis, and other service providers generally follow the same 15 to 20 percent range as restaurants, though local convention varies enough that it is worth checking what is typical in a given city.
Tipping norms outside the United States
Tipping expectations differ by country. In many places, service charges are already built into the listed price or added automatically, and tipping beyond that is optional or uncommon. Checking local convention before a trip avoids either under-tipping where it is expected or over-tipping where it is not the norm.
Frequently asked questions
What is a standard tip percentage at a restaurant?
15 to 20 percent of the pre-tax bill is standard in the United States. 15 percent is a common baseline, with 18 to 20 percent typical for good service.
Should I tip on the total before or after tax?
Tipping guidance is usually based on the bill before tax, since tax is unrelated to service quality. Many people tip on the post-tax total anyway, which usually only changes the amount slightly.
How do I know if gratuity is already included in my bill?
Check the check for a line labeled gratuity or service charge, which restaurants commonly add automatically for large parties, often starting around six to eight guests.