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Try an Example
Pick a scenario to see how the calculator works, then adjust the values
Quick Dinner
A solo dinner at a casual restaurant with standard 18% tip.
Key values: $45.00 bill · 18% tip · 1 person
Group Dinner Out
Splitting a group dinner among 4 friends with a generous 20% tip.
Key values: $180.00 bill · 20% tip · 4 people
Coffee Date
A small coffee run with a 15% tip.
Key values: $12.50 bill · 15% tip · 1 person
This calculator is also known as How Much to Tip.
Read the complete guideTipping by Service Type
Recommended tip percentages for common services:
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Full-service restaurant | 15-20% of pre-tax bill |
| Takeout | 0-10%, more if complex order |
| Food delivery | 15-20%, minimum $3-5 |
| Taxi/Uber/Lyft | 15-20% of fare |
| Hair stylist | 15-20% of service cost |
| Barber | 15-20% |
| Hotel bellhop | $1-2 per bag |
| Hotel housekeeping | $2-5 per night |
| Valet parking | $2-5 |
| Movers | $20-50 per mover |
| Tour guide | 10-20% of tour cost |
When to Tip More
Consider increasing your tip in these situations:
- Exceptionally attentive or friendly service
- Large or complicated orders
- Bad weather (for delivery and rideshare)
- Holiday periods
- When the server goes above and beyond
Examples
Dining Out
A couple has dinner at a nice restaurant with a $85 bill and great service.
A 20% tip on $85 is $17, bringing the total to $102. Split between two people, each pays $51.
Key takeaway: 20% is appropriate for good to excellent restaurant service.
Tipping Made Simple
Follow these practical tips for hassle-free tipping:
- Use 20% as your default for good service -- it is easy to calculate (double the tax in many states)
- For quick mental math: find 10% by moving the decimal, then double it for 20%
- When in doubt, tip 18-20% for any personal service
- Keep small bills handy for cash tips to valet, bellhops, and housekeeping
- In countries where tipping is not customary, a small gesture is still appreciated
Frequently Asked Questions about How Much to Tip
How much should I tip at a restaurant?
In the US, 15-20% of the pre-tax bill is standard for sit-down restaurants. 15% is the baseline for acceptable service, 18% for good service, and 20% or more for excellent service.
Do I need to tip for takeout?
Tipping for takeout is optional but increasingly common, especially since 2020. A 10% tip or a few dollars is a nice gesture, particularly for large or complicated orders.
How much do you tip a delivery driver?
15-20% of the order total is standard, with a minimum of $3-5. Consider tipping more for large orders, long distances, bad weather, or apartment deliveries requiring stairs.
Is it rude not to tip?
In the US, not tipping for table service is considered rude, as servers rely on tips for a significant portion of their income. In other countries, tipping customs vary widely.
Specialized Calculators
Choose from 3 specialized versions of this calculator, each optimized for specific use cases and calculation methods.
Purpose
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