How Much to Tip in the US: Restaurants, Delivery, Rideshare and More
Published 2026-10-27
Tipping in the United States can feel confusing, especially with tip screens now appearing at almost every counter. Customs vary by region and by how much service you receive, but the ranges below are widely used. To work out the numbers, use the tip calculator.
Typical tips by service
| Service | Common tip |
|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurant | 15–20% of the bill; more for excellent service |
| Bartender | $1–2 per drink, or 15–20% of the tab |
| Food delivery | 15–20%, with a few dollars as a minimum on small orders |
| Taxi or rideshare | 15–20% of the fare |
| Hair salon or barber | 15–20% |
| Hotel housekeeping | A few dollars per night, left daily |
| Valet parking | A few dollars when your car is returned |
| Counter service or coffee | Optional; many people tip a dollar or round up |
In many US states, restaurant servers are paid a lower base wage on the expectation that tips make up much of their income, which is why table-service tips are treated as standard rather than optional.
How to calculate a tip in your head
- 10%: move the decimal point one place left. $48.60 → $4.86.
- 20%: double the 10% figure. $4.86 × 2 = $9.72, or about $10.
- 15%: take 10% and add half of it. $4.86 + $2.43 = $7.29.
- 18%: take 20% and subtract a tenth of 20%. $9.72 − $0.97 ≈ $8.75.
Our guide to percentages in your head has more shortcuts.
Before or after tax?
Etiquette guides traditionally recommend tipping on the pre-tax amount, but many people tip on the total for simplicity, and the difference is small. The tip calculator can do it either way.
Splitting the bill
Add the tip to the total first, then divide by the number of people. Rounding each share up to the nearest dollar makes paying easier and usually adds a little extra for the server.
When a tip is already included
Check the bill for a “service charge” or “gratuity”, which some restaurants add automatically, often for larger groups. If it’s there, an extra tip is optional. A service charge isn’t always passed to staff in the same way as a tip, so ask if you’re unsure.
Common questions
- Do you tip on takeout? It’s optional. Many people leave around 10% or round up, especially for large or complicated orders.
- What if the service was bad? Speak to a manager about the problem. Many people still leave a reduced tip rather than none, since tips are part of servers’ pay.
Thanking the people who help you all year? Our holiday tipping guide covers nannies, house cleaners, mail carriers, doormen and more.