Bill amount, tip %, split between any number of people — live results, no button needed.
Open Tip Calculator →| Service | Standard Tip | Exceptional Service | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant (sit-down) | 18–20% | 25–30% | Never below 15% unless serious issue |
| Fine dining | 20% | 25%+ | On pre-tax amount is technically correct |
| Buffet | 10% | 15% | Server brings drinks only |
| Bar / drinks | $1–2 per drink | 20%+ | Or 15–20% on tab total |
| Coffee shop / counter | Optional | 10–15% | Tip prompts are optional here |
| Food delivery | 15–20% | 20%+ | Minimum $3–5 for small orders |
| Pizza delivery | $3–5 flat | 15% | Or 15% of bill, whichever is more |
| Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) | 15–20% | 25% | Tip in app after ride |
| Taxi | 15–20% | 20%+ | Round up or tip in cash |
| Hair stylist / Barber | 15–20% | 25% | Tip the stylist, not the owner |
| Nail salon | 15–20% | 20–25% | Cash tips preferred |
| Hotel housekeeping | $2–5/night | $5–10/night | Leave daily, not just checkout |
| Hotel bellhop | $1–2/bag | $2–3/bag | Minimum $5 for any service |
| Valet parking | $2–5 | $5–10 | Tip when car is returned |
| Spa / massage | 15–20% | 20–25% | Cash preferred for therapist |
| Tattoo artist | 15–20% | 25%+ | Standard for quality work |
| Movers | $20–50/person | $50+ | Based on difficulty and hours |
Technically, tipping etiquette says tip on the pre-tax amount since the server didn't create the tax. However, most Americans tip on the post-tax total for simplicity. The difference is minor — on a $60 meal with 8.5% tax, tipping 20% on pre-tax ($60) = $12, vs post-tax ($65.10) = $13.02. Both are acceptable. The calculator defaults to the full bill amount.
A 2026 Pew Research survey found that 72% of Americans feel tipping is now expected in too many situations. The rise of Square and Toast payment systems with built-in tip prompts means customers face tip requests at:
For counter service, self-service or kiosk orders, tipping is genuinely optional — there is no social obligation. The tip prompt is there because businesses profit from voluntary tips; it is not a social contract.
Genuinely acceptable to skip or reduce the tip: self-service/counter service where no one waits on you, fast food pickup counters, online orders you collect yourself, and take-out where a tip line appears on a receipt but no service was provided. For sit-down restaurants, bars and personal services where someone is actively working for you, tipping below 15% should only happen for genuinely poor service.
| Country | Restaurant Tip | Culture |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 18–20% | Expected — servers earn below minimum wage |
| Canada | 15–18% | Expected, similar to US |
| United Kingdom | 10–12.5% | Optional but appreciated |
| France | 5–10% | Service charge often included (service compris) |
| Japan | 0% | Tipping is considered rude |
| India | 10% | Common in restaurants, not mandatory |
| Australia | 10% | Optional — servers earn full wages |
The standard tip at a sit-down restaurant in 2026 is 18–20% for good service, 25% or more for exceptional service, and 10–15% for poor service. The old standard of 15% is now considered below average at most full-service restaurants. For buffets, 10% is appropriate since servers only bring drinks. Never tip zero unless there is a genuinely serious problem — servers typically earn $2.13/hour in federal tipped minimum wage and rely on tips for their income.
The fastest method: move the decimal one place to the left to get 10%, then double it. For a $47 bill — 10% is $4.70, doubled is $9.40 for a 20% tip. Total = $47 + $9.40 = $56.40. Alternatively, just use our tip calculator for instant exact results including splits between multiple people.
Tipping on the pre-tax amount is technically correct since the server didn't contribute to the tax. However, most Americans tip on the post-tax total for simplicity. The difference is small — on a $60 meal with 8% tax, the difference between tipping 20% on $60 vs $64.80 is only $0.96. Either is socially acceptable.
For food delivery in 2026, tip 15–20% with a minimum of $3–5 for small orders. Delivery drivers use their own vehicles, pay for gas and often don't receive benefits. For large orders, bad weather, long distances or difficult deliveries (no parking, walk-up apartments), tip more generously. Pre-tipping at checkout is standard — the driver sees the tip before accepting your order.
At coffee shops with counter service where you order at a register and pick up your own drink, tipping is genuinely optional. There is no social obligation. If a barista regularly makes complex drinks for you, remembers your order or provides exceptional service, tipping $0.50–$1 per drink or 10–15% is a kind gesture but not required. Tip prompts at counters are a business feature, not a social contract.