Tipping in American restaurants is customary and expected — it is a primary part of how servers and service staff earn their income. The standard range is 15–20% of the pre-tax bill for sit-down restaurants. For exceptional service, 25% or more is a generous gesture.
For quick-service counters and coffee shops, tipping is optional but appreciated — 10–15% is common. For delivery, $3–5 per order is typical, more for large orders or long distances.
Common tip examples
Casual dinner · 18%
$45 bill, 2 people
Tip: $8.10 · Total: $53.10 · Per person: $26.55
Group dinner · 20%
$180 bill, 4 people
Tip: $36.00 · Total: $216.00 · Per person: $54.00
Business lunch · 20%
$95 bill, 1 person
Tip: $19.00 · Total: $114.00
Pizza delivery · 15%
$32 order, 1 household
Tip: $4.80 · Total: $36.80
Large party · 18%
$320 bill, 8 people
Tip: $57.60 · Total: $377.60 · Per person: $47.20
Coffee shop · 10%
$14 order, 1 person
Tip: $1.40 · Total: $15.40
Tipping by service type
Sit-down restaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill is standard. 20–25% for excellent service. Most restaurants add an automatic gratuity of 18–20% for parties of 6 or more — check your bill before adding extra.
Bar: $1–2 per drink, or 15–20% of the tab. Tip at the start of the evening at a bar where you plan to stay — it helps with service.
Food delivery: $3–5 minimum, or 15–20% of the order total. More for bad weather or large orders.
Hair salon / barber: 15–20% of the service cost. If the owner cuts your hair, tipping is still appreciated but less expected.
Hotel: $2–5 per night for housekeeping, left daily. $1–2 per bag for bellhops.
Taxi / rideshare: 10–15% is typical. Most apps let you add this in the app after the ride.
Frequently asked questions
Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
Technically, tipping on the pre-tax amount is correct — your server didn't provide the tax. In practice, the difference is small and most people tip on the total bill. Either is perfectly acceptable.
What is the minimum acceptable tip at a restaurant?
In the US, 15% is generally considered the minimum for adequate service at a sit-down restaurant. Leaving less than 10% is typically understood as a signal that service was genuinely poor. Leaving nothing is considered very rude unless service was truly unacceptable.
How do I split the tip unevenly?
This calculator splits the total (bill + tip) evenly. For uneven splits — for example if someone ordered more — calculate the full tip first, then divide the total bill manually based on what each person ordered, and add a proportional share of the tip to each person's total.
Is tipping required by law?
No — tipping is not legally required in the United States. However, it is a strong social custom in most service industries, and many workers rely on tips as a major part of their income. Some restaurants automatically add a gratuity for large groups, which is noted on the menu and the bill.
Do I tip at fast food restaurants?
Traditionally no — fast food is considered counter service where tipping is not expected. However, many fast food and quick-service apps now prompt for a tip at checkout. Whether you do is entirely your choice. Tipping at coffee shops and fast-casual counters has become more common but remains optional.
How much do I tip for takeout?
Tipping for takeout is optional but appreciated. A common approach is 10% if staff packaged your order carefully, or a flat $1–2. If you order takeout frequently from the same place, a modest tip helps maintain good relationships with the staff.