How much to tip in the U.S.
In the United States, tipping is a custom, not a law. Visitors from countries where service is built into the bill are often surprised, so it helps to know the usual ranges. The amounts below are common ranges. They vary by city, venue and person, and the calculator lets you choose any percentage.
Why do tips matter so much? Federal law lets employers pay tipped workers a cash wage as low as $2.13 an hour, as long as tips bring their pay up to the $7.25 federal minimum. Many states require more, and the U.S. Department of Labor keeps a state-by-state table on its tipped minimum wage page. For servers and bartenders in many places, tips are a large share of take-home pay.
Common tipping ranges by service
- Sit-down restaurant: 15% to 20% of the bill, with 18% a frequent choice.
- Bar: about $1 to $2 per drink, or 15% to 20% of a tab.
- Food delivery: 10% to 20%, and at least a few dollars on a small order. Service and delivery fees usually go to the app, not to the courier.
- Taxi or rideshare: 10% to 20% of the fare. Apps let you tip after the ride.
- Salon, barber or spa: 15% to 20%, given to the person who served you.
- Tour guide: 10% to 20% of the tour price is a common guide. On "free" walking tours, the tip is the guide's income.
- Hotel housekeeping: $2 to $5 per night, often left each day because different people may clean on different days.
- Valet: $2 to $5 when your car is brought back.
You do not usually tip at a fast-food counter or a store.
Before tax or after tax?
Both are accepted. Many people tip on the subtotal before sales tax, because tax goes to the government and not to the person serving you. Others tip on the total with tax because it is faster. The difference is small: on a $100 meal with 8% tax and a 20% tip, the tip is $20.00 before tax or $21.60 after tax. The calculator shows both amounts, and you choose. Sales tax starts from the Tax Foundation's average state and local rate, and you can type your own.
Card readers and service charges
Card readers often show tip choices. The suggested percentages may be higher than the traditional range, and some readers apply them to the total with tax. You can usually press "Custom" or "No tip." Also read your receipt first: restaurants often add a service charge or automatic gratuity for larger groups. That charge is a fee the restaurant adds, not a tip you chose. It usually takes the place of a tip, so many people do not add more, and you can ask staff whether it goes to the server.
Splitting the bill
Enter the number of people and the calculator divides the total. When the cents do not divide evenly, it tells you how many people pay one cent more, so the group pays the exact total. You can also round the tip or the total up to the next dollar.
If you earn tips, see the tips, overtime and senior deductions calculator. Planning a trip? Use the travel budget calculator to include tax and tips.
Frequently asked questions
Is tipping required in the U.S.?
No law requires a tip. A service charge printed on the bill or menu is a fee you owe, not a tip. Still, tipping is the strong custom for table service, rides and hair care, and the worker's pay often depends on it. If service was poor, many people leave a smaller tip and tell the manager.
Should I tip on the price before tax or after tax?
Either is acceptable. Many people tip on the pre-tax subtotal, which costs a little less. Others tip on the post-tax total, which is simpler and slightly more generous. Use the "Calculate the tip on" choice to compare.
Do I tip when I order takeout or at a counter?
It is optional. Many people leave a dollar or two, or about 10%, when an order was large or took extra effort. For a simple coffee or fast-food order, no tip is expected.