Tip Calculator

Standard restaurant tip: 15-20% is customary in the US. 20%+ for excellent service, 15% for adequate service.

Other services: Bartenders ($1-2 per drink or 15-20%), delivery drivers (15-20% or $3-5 minimum), hair stylists (15-20%).

Pre-tax vs post-tax: Traditionally, tips are calculated on the pre-tax amount, though tipping on the total is also common.

Large groups: Many restaurants add an automatic gratuity (usually 18-20%) for parties of 6 or more. Check your bill.

Tipping is a deeply ingrained part of American dining culture. Unlike many countries where service charges are included in the bill, the US system relies on voluntary tips to supplement the wages of service workers. The federal tipped minimum wage is just $2.13 per hour, meaning servers depend on gratuities for the majority of their income. This is why tipping 15-20% is considered standard rather than generous.

The tipping system has expanded well beyond restaurants. Today, you are expected to tip for a wide range of services including food delivery, ride-sharing, hair salons, hotel housekeeping, valet parking, and even counter-service coffee shops. Each service has its own norms: bartenders typically receive $1-2 per drink, hotel housekeeping $2-5 per night, and movers $20-50 per person for a full-day job.

Pre-tax vs. post-tax tipping: Traditionally, tips are calculated on the pre-tax subtotal of your bill. However, many people now tip on the post-tax total for simplicity. On a $100 meal with 8% sales tax, the difference between a 20% pre-tax tip ($20.00) and a 20% post-tax tip ($21.60) is small, but it adds up over time.

Double-tipping on delivery apps: Many food delivery platforms now include suggested tips that may overlap with service fees. Check whether a service charge has already been added before adding your own tip on top.

Forgetting to check for auto-gratuity: Restaurants frequently add an automatic 18-20% gratuity for parties of 6 or more. Always review your bill before adding a tip, or you may end up tipping twice.

Tipping on the wrong amount: When splitting a bill, make sure each person tips based on their share of the pre-tax total, not on the split amount after tax. Also, when using coupons or gift cards, tip based on the original bill amount before discounts.

Not carrying cash for tips: Some service workers, like valets, hotel housekeepers, and movers, may not have access to card payment systems. Keeping small bills on hand ensures you can tip appropriately in any situation.