How much to tip
In the US, tipping is customary for most service jobs. The standard restaurant tip is 18–20% of the pre-tax bill. Minimum acceptable is 15%; exceptional service warrants 22–25%.
tip = bill × (tip% / 100)
per person = (bill + tip) ÷ people
Mental math for 20%: move the decimal left one place (10%), then double. A $45 bill: 10% = $4.50, doubled = $9.00. For 15%: $4.50 + half ($2.25) = $6.75.
Tipping guide by service
| Service | Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant (sit-down) | 18–20% | Before tax. 22–25% for exceptional service. |
| Food delivery | 15–20% | Plus any delivery fee (which often doesn't go to the driver). |
| Takeout / pickup | 0–10% | Optional; 10% for large or complex orders. |
| Bartender | $1–2 per drink | Or 15–20% of total tab for table service. |
| Coffee / barista | $1 or 10–15% | For specialty drinks or good service. |
| Hair salon / barber | 15–20% | Tip each provider separately for multi-stylist services. |
| Nail salon / spa | 15–20% | Of total service. |
| Massage therapist | 15–20% | Not required at medical spas or clinics. |
| Taxi / rideshare | 15–20% | $1–2 minimum for short trips. |
| Valet parking | $2–5 | When they bring the car back. |
| Hotel housekeeping | $2–5 per night | Daily, with a note so staff knows it's for them. |
| Hotel bellhop | $1–2 per bag | $5 minimum for multi-bag service. |
| Movers | $20–50 per person | Based on job size; $20 short local, $50+ for full-day moves. |
| Tattoo artist | 15–20% | Of total cost. $20 minimum for small tattoos. |
| Tour guide | 10–20% | Cash preferred. |
Should you tip on tax?
Most etiquette experts recommend tipping on the pre-tax subtotal, not the post-tax total. Tax isn't part of the service. For a $100 meal with 8% tax = $108: pre-tax 20% tip = $20; post-tax 20% tip = $21.60.
The difference is small and most servers don't notice. POS systems often default to suggesting tip on the post-tax amount — watch for this when paying. Our calculator supports both pre- and post-tax tipping.
Tipping in other countries
| Country | Custom |
|---|---|
| USA / Canada | 15–20% expected at restaurants; tipping culture is pervasive. |
| United Kingdom | 10–12.5% at restaurants (often already added as 'service charge'); otherwise optional. |
| Western Europe | 5–10% at restaurants; round up for taxis and bars. Service often included in bill. |
| Japan | No tipping. Considered rude. Some high-end hotels accept discreet gratuities. |
| China | No tipping traditionally. Hotels and tour groups may accept small tips. |
| Australia | Optional; 10% at restaurants for good service. Not widely expected. |
| Mexico / Caribbean | 10–15% at restaurants; USD tips accepted and appreciated. |
| Middle East | 10% at restaurants; service charge often included. |
Frequently asked questions
How much should I tip at a restaurant?
In the US, standard restaurant tipping is 18–20% of the pre-tax bill for good service. 15% is the minimum acceptable; 22–25% for exceptional service. For parties of 6+, many restaurants add automatic gratuity (usually 18%) — check before adding more. Tip on the pre-tax amount (not the post-tax total). Takeout doesn't require a tip, though 10% is appreciated for complex or large orders.
Should you tip on tax?
Most etiquette experts recommend tipping on the pre-tax subtotal, not the post-tax total. Tax isn't part of the service. For a $100 meal with 8% tax = $108, a 20% pre-tax tip = $20; post-tax tip = $21.60. The difference is small and most servers don't notice, but pre-tax is correct. Some POS systems default to suggesting tip on the post-tax total — watch for this.
How do I calculate the tip amount?
Multiply the bill by the tip percentage as a decimal. For a $50 bill at 20% tip: $50 × 0.20 = $10.00. Quick mental math for 20%: move the decimal one place left ($5.00), then double ($10.00). For 15%: 10% ($5.00) plus half of that ($2.50) = $7.50. Our calculator handles any percentage and splits across multiple people.
How do I split a bill with tip?
Calculate total (bill + tip), then divide by the number of people. $120 bill + $24 tip (20%) = $144 total ÷ 4 people = $36 each. If one person had more expensive items, you can adjust — some apps like Venmo and Splitwise handle uneven splits automatically. Our tip calculator shows per-person totals for splits up to 20 people.
Is 10% a bad tip?
In the US, 10% is considered a poor tip — signaling dissatisfaction with the service. Standard is 18–20%; 15% is the minimum for acceptable service. If service was genuinely bad, a better approach is to tip 15% and speak with the manager about issues. 10% can imply you think the server should be fired. In countries without a tipping culture (Japan, Europe), 0–10% is normal.
Do you tip on takeout orders?
It's optional in the US. Most people don't tip on simple takeout. Consider tipping 10% if: the order is large or complex, weather is bad, you're ordering during peak hours, or the staff does extra work (carries bags to your car, customizes heavily). For delivery, always tip 15–20% — delivery fees typically don't go to the driver.
How much to tip a hairdresser?
15–20% of the service cost is standard for hair stylists, barbers, and colorists. For a $60 haircut, tip $9–12. Tip each person separately if multiple people work on you (shampoo, colorist, stylist). Don't tip the salon owner (though this rule is loosening). For chain salons (Great Clips, Supercuts), tipping is less expected but still appreciated.
Do you tip in Europe?
Less than in the US. In most of Western Europe (France, Germany, Italy, Spain), restaurants often include a service charge — look for 'service compris' or 'servizio incluso.' If not included, 5–10% is appreciated. UK: 10–12.5% at restaurants (check for service charge first). Tipping taxi drivers and bartenders is optional — rounding up is polite. Never tip at pubs for drinks.