Calculate tips and split bills easily for restaurants, delivery, and services
Service Quality
Good
Total Amount
$118.00
Bill Amount
$100.00
Tip Amount
$18.00
Tippingis a customary practice in many service industries, especially in the United States. While tipping is technically optional, it's an important part of service workers' income. Understanding proper tipping etiquette helps you show appreciation for good service.
| Service | Standard Tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Server | 15-20% | 20% is becoming standard |
| Bartender | $1-2 per drink or 15-20% | More for complex cocktails |
| Food Delivery | 15-20% or $3-5 minimum | More in bad weather |
| Taxi/Uber/Lyft | 10-15% | More for help with luggage |
| Hair Stylist | 15-20% | 20% for exceptional work |
| Hotel Housekeeping | $2-5 per night | Leave daily, not at checkout |
| Valet Parking | $2-5 | Tip when car is returned |
| Coffee Shop | $1-2 or 10-15% | Optional for counter service |
Important: Always tip on the pre-tax amount. If you have a discount or coupon, tip based on the original price, not the discounted price.
Calculate your tip based on the bill before tax. While some tip on the total, it's not necessary to tip on the tax amount.
Cash tips go directly to the server without processing delays or fees. If paying by card, write the tip amount clearly on the receipt.
If food is wrong or slow, that's usually the kitchen's fault, not the server's. Tip based on service quality, not food quality.
Large groups, special dietary needs, or complex modifications require extra work. Consider tipping 20-25% for exceptional accommodation.
Round up to make math easier. If 20% is $18.40, leave $20. The extra $1.60 is appreciated and simplifies the transaction.
Many restaurants add 18-20% gratuity for large groups (6+). Check your bill to avoid double-tipping, but you can add more for great service.
Legally, no. However, in the US, servers often earn $2-3/hour base wage and rely on tips to reach minimum wage. Tipping 15-20% is a strong social expectation for table service. Not tipping is considered very rude unless service was truly terrible.
10-15% is appreciated but not required. Someone still packaged your order, checked it for accuracy, and handled the transaction. If it's a large or complex order, tip more. For simple pickup, $1-2 or 10% is fine.
Always tip on the original bill amount before the discount. The server did the same amount of work regardless of your coupon. If the bill was $50 but you paid $30 with a coupon, tip 15-20% of $50.
Consider why service was poor. If the restaurant was understaffed or the kitchen was slow, that's not the server's fault. If service was genuinely bad (rude, inattentive), you can tip less (10%) but speak to a manager about the issue.
No. Many countries include service charges in the bill or pay servers full wages. In Japan, tipping can be offensive. In Europe, 5-10% is standard. Always research tipping customs before traveling internationally.
Yes, tip on the full bill including alcohol. Bartenders and servers work to serve drinks just like food. Some people tip slightly less on expensive wine bottles, but 15-20% on the total is standard practice.