How Much to Tip in the U.S.
By the TidyTally team · Last updated October 21, 2026
Tipping in the United States is customary, often confusing and changing. Norms differ by service, region and even the payment screen in front of you. This guide lays out commonly followed guidelines for the most frequent situations, explains why tips matter to many workers' pay and shows how to calculate and split tips quickly.
Why tipping matters
In many service jobs, tips are a significant part of workers' income. The federal minimum cash wage for tipped employees is $2.13 an hour, with the employer required to make up the difference if tips do not bring the worker to the standard minimum wage — and many states set higher tipped minimums or require the full minimum wage before tips. Since rules vary, tips remain an important part of earnings for many servers and bartenders.
Restaurants and bars
For sit-down restaurant service, 15% to 20% of the bill is the usual range, with 18% to 20% increasingly standard for good service. Check your bill for an automatic gratuity — many restaurants add 18% to 20% for large parties, often six or more people. At bars, a common practice is $1 to $2 per drink or 15% to 20% of the tab. For counter service, tipping is optional and varies; many people tip when there is a tip screen and the service was personal or went above the basics.
Delivery, rideshare and takeout
For food delivery, 15% to 20% is a common guideline, with a minimum of a few dollars on small orders and more in bad weather or for long distances. For rideshare and taxis, many riders tip about 10% to 20% for good service. For takeout you pick up yourself, no tip is required, but a small tip is appreciated for large or complicated orders.
Personal services and travel
Hair stylists, barbers, nail technicians and massage therapists are generally tipped 15% to 20%. For hotel housekeeping, several dollars per night is commonly suggested, left daily because different staff may clean on different days. Bellhops are often tipped $1 to $2 per bag, and a tip for a concierge is appropriate for special help. Tour guides and drivers are often tipped around 10% to 20%, or a set amount per person for group tours. Note that tipping customs vary widely around the world — in many countries service is already included.
Pre-tax or post-tax?
Technically, tipping on the pre-tax subtotal is the more traditional approach, because the tip is meant to reward service, not tax. In practice, many people tip on the total, and many payment screens calculate on the after-tax amount. The difference is small — on a $60 meal with 8% tax, tipping 20% pre-tax is $12.00 and post-tax is $12.96 — so use what you are comfortable with. The Tip Calculator lets you enter tax separately so the tip is calculated on the pre-tax amount.
Splitting the bill fairly
When splitting evenly, calculate the tip first, add it to the total and divide by the number of people. If people ordered very different amounts, itemizing is fairer, and many groups agree to split shared items evenly and individual items separately. If someone ordered drinks and others did not, do not be shy about asking for separate checks at the start. Using a bill splitter avoids awkward math at the table.
When to tip less or more
Tip based on the quality of service, not on factors outside the server's control such as a slow kitchen. If service was poor, many people tip less but still leave something; if it was excellent, tipping more is a meaningful way to say thanks. Tip in cash when possible for workers who benefit most directly. And remember the budget: if you eat out often, build tipping into your plan using the Budget Calculator so it does not surprise you.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I tip at a restaurant?
The standard range for sit-down service is 15% to 20% of the bill, with 18% to 20% common for good service. Check your check for an automatic gratuity first.
Do I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
Pre-tax is the traditional convention, but tipping on the post-tax total is also common and the difference is usually small. Either is acceptable.
Should I tip for takeout?
It is optional. Many people leave a small tip, such as a few dollars or around 10%, for large or complex orders or when the staff provides extra help.
Is an automatic gratuity the same as a tip?
An automatic gratuity is a service charge added by the restaurant, typically for large parties, so you generally do not need to add an additional tip unless the service was exceptional. Check the bill to be sure.