US Tip Calculator
| Situation | Standard Tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurant | 18–20% | Social norm; 15% for poor service |
| Bar / drinks | $1–2/drink or 20% | Tab method or per-drink |
| Food delivery | 15–20% (min $3) | More in bad weather |
| Hotel housekeeping | $3–5/night | Leave daily, not at checkout |
| Taxi / rideshare | 15–20% | Uber/Lyft prompts in-app |
| Coffee shop / counter | $0.50–$1 or 10–15% | Discretionary; prompted by POS |
| Large group (6+) | 18% auto-grat | Check bill — may be pre-added |
How much should you tip at a restaurant in the US?
18–20% is the standard for sit-down restaurants. 15% signals poor service; 25%+ signals exceptional appreciation. Many Americans simply double the tax line as an easy estimate.
Do you tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
Technically the tip should be on the pre-tax subtotal, but many diners tip on the full amount including tax. Either is acceptable — servers appreciate generosity.
What is automatic gratuity for large groups?
Most US restaurants add an automatic 18% gratuity for parties of 6 or more. Always check the bill before adding a tip — you may be double-tipping.
Why is tipping so important in the US?
US federal law allows restaurants to pay tipped workers a base wage as low as $2.13/hour — servers depend on tips for their income. In most states, tips make up the majority of a server's pay.
Is it OK to not tip in the US?
Not tipping at a sit-down restaurant is considered rude and harms the server's livelihood. If service was poor, a 10–12% tip sends the message without leaving zero. No tip is appropriate only for truly unacceptable service.
Tip Calculator for the US — How Tipping Works in America
In the United States, tipping is not optional at sit-down restaurants — it is a social and economic expectation. Servers earn a federal tipped minimum wage of $2.13/hour, and tips make up the majority of their income. A standard tip of 18–20% on the pre-tax subtotal is the baseline for good service.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the bill subtotal (before tax)
- Adjust the tip slider — 18% is the US default pre-set
- Enter the number of people to split among
- See tip amount, total, and each person's share instantly
Tip quick reference
$50 bill: 18% tip = $9, total = $59 split 2 ways = $29.50 each. $100 bill: 20% tip = $20, total = $120 split 4 ways = $30 each. Use this calculator for any amount and party size.