Key Takeaways
- Standard restaurant tip in the US is 15-20% for good service, 20%+ for excellent service
- Always tip on the pre-tax bill amount, not the total including tax
- Service workers often earn below minimum wage and rely on tips for their income
- When splitting bills, ensure the total tip is still appropriate, not just individual portions
- International tipping customs vary greatly - research local norms when traveling
How to Calculate a Tip
Calculating a tip is straightforward: multiply your bill by the tip percentage. For a 20% tip on a $50 bill: $50 × 0.20 = $10 tip, making your total $60.
Quick mental math tricks:
- 10% tip: Move the decimal point one place left ($50 → $5.00)
- 15% tip: Calculate 10%, then add half of that ($5 + $2.50 = $7.50)
- 20% tip: Calculate 10%, then double it ($5 × 2 = $10)
- 25% tip: Calculate 20%, then add a quarter of that
Pro Tip: Pre-Tax Tipping
Calculate your tip on the pre-tax subtotal, not the total including tax. You shouldn't tip on sales tax! Look for the subtotal line on your receipt.
Tipping Guidelines by Service
| Service | Standard Tip | Great Service | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Server | 15-18% | 20-25% | On pre-tax subtotal |
| Bartender | $1-2/drink | $2-3/drink | Or 15-20% of tab |
| Takeout/Counter | 0-10% | 10-15% | Optional but appreciated |
| Food Delivery | 15-20% | 20%+ | $3-5 minimum |
| Rideshare/Taxi | 15-20% | 20%+ | More for luggage help |
| Hair Stylist | 15-20% | 20-25% | Of total service |
| Hotel Housekeeping | $2-5/night | $5-10/night | Leave daily, not at checkout |
| Valet Parking | $2-5 | $5-10 | At pickup |
When to Tip More
- Large parties (6+ people) - some places add automatic gratuity
- Complex orders or special requests
- Bad weather (delivery drivers)
- Holidays or very late/early hours
- Exceptional, personalized service
International Tipping Customs
Tipping culture varies significantly around the world:
- Japan: Tipping is generally not expected and can even be considered rude
- Europe: Service charge often included; small additional tip (5-10%) appreciated
- Canada: Similar to US, 15-20% standard
- Australia: Tipping not expected but appreciated for good service (10%)
- Middle East: 10-15% typical when service charge not included
Frequently Asked Questions
Technically, you should tip on the pre-tax subtotal since you're tipping for service, not paying extra tax. However, many people tip on the total for convenience, and the difference is usually small. Either approach is acceptable.
Leaving no tip is generally discouraged since servers often earn below minimum wage and depend on tips. For poor service, consider leaving 10-15% and speaking with management. Zero tips should be reserved for truly egregious situations. Sometimes poor service is due to kitchen issues, not your server.
Tipping on takeout is optional but increasingly appreciated, especially post-2020. A tip of 10-15% acknowledges the staff who prepared and packaged your order. Many people round up or leave $1-5 depending on order size.
Tipping at coffee shops and fast food is optional. If there's a tip jar or digital prompt, many people leave $1-2 or round up for complicated orders. For counter service where you pick up your own food, tipping is appreciated but not expected.
There are two common approaches: split the entire bill (including tip) evenly, or have each person calculate tip on their individual portion. The first method is simpler; the second is fairer if orders varied significantly. Always double-check the total tip is appropriate regardless of method.
Automatic gratuity (usually 18-20% for large parties) is your tip - you don't need to add more. However, you can add extra for exceptional service. Always check your bill for included gratuity before calculating an additional tip.
Quick Tip Calculations Made Easy
Never second-guess your tip again. Calculate instantly for any bill amount.