How to Tip Correctly in the US
Tipping in the United States isn't optional in most service settings — it's a core part of how service workers are paid, since many states allow employers to pay a lower "tipped minimum wage" with the expectation that tips make up the difference. Standard tipping in sit-down restaurants ranges from 15% for adequate service to 20-25% for excellent service. Tipping below 15% is generally considered a signal of dissatisfaction.
Tipping norms vary by service type: delivery drivers typically get $3-5 or 10-15% of the order, bartenders get $1-2 per drink or 15-20% of the tab, and hairdressers/barbers usually receive 15-20%. Hotel housekeeping is often overlooked but $2-5 per night is standard practice.
How the Calculation Works
Tip = Bill × (Tip % ÷ 100)
Total = Bill + Tip
Per Person = Total ÷ Number of People
Worked Example
Example
A $85.50 dinner bill split between 2 people, with an 18% tip: the tip comes to $15.39, bringing the total to $100.89. Split evenly, each person pays $50.45 — or roughly $7.70 of that being their share of the tip.
Tipping Etiquette Tips
- Tip on the pre-tax amount in most cases, though tipping on the post-tax total is also widely accepted and slightly more generous.
- For large groups (6+), many restaurants automatically add an 18-20% gratuity — check your bill before adding an additional tip.
- Counter service vs table service — tipping is expected at table-service restaurants, but optional (though appreciated) at counter-service or fast-casual spots.
- International travel — tipping customs vary drastically outside the US; in many European and Asian countries, tipping is far less expected or even considered unusual.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I tip before or after tax? ▼
Tipping on the pre-tax subtotal is technically the standard, but tipping on the total (including tax) is increasingly common and only adds a small amount in most cases. Either approach is considered acceptable in the US.
What's a good tip for bad service? ▼
Even for below-average service, etiquette experts generally recommend tipping at least 10-12% rather than nothing, since the server's base pay often depends heavily on tips. If service was genuinely poor, speaking to a manager addresses the issue more effectively than withholding a tip entirely.
Do I need to tip on takeout orders? ▼
Tipping on takeout is optional and not as strongly expected as dine-in tipping, though many point-of-sale systems now prompt for a tip (typically 10-15%) even for pickup orders. A small tip is a nice gesture but isn't considered mandatory etiquette.
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