Tipping in the United States
A clear, practical guide to who you tip, how much, and when it's genuinely optional - plus a free calculator that works out the exact amount for any bill, splits it, and converts it to your currency.
Open the tip calculatorBy Dean Last reviewed July 21, 2026
| Service | Standard tip | Quick guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant (sit-down) | 15–20% | Tip 15–20% of the pre-tax bill for table service. 18% for good service, 20% for great. |
| Bar / bartender | 15–20% | $1–2 per drink, or 15–20% on a tab. Tip a bit more on the first round to get good service. |
| Food delivery | 15–20% | 15–20% or at least $3-$5, whichever is more. Tip more in bad weather or for large orders. |
| Uber / Lyft (rideshare) | 10–20% | 10–20%, tipped in the app after the ride. Not required, but standard for good service. |
| Hotel - housekeeping | $2–$5 | $2–5 per night, left daily. Housekeeping staff rotate shifts, so tip each day. |
| Coffee / counter service | $1–$2 | Optional - $1 or round up, or leave more for a complicated custom drink. |
All percentages are based on the pre-tax amount. For the full breakdown across 26 categories - including exceptions - see the complete USA tipping guide.
How tipping works in the US
Unlike much of the world, the United States does not bundle a service charge into the listed price. Tipped workers - servers, bartenders, drivers, housekeepers - rely on gratuities for a large share of their income, so tipping for table service and delivery is expected, not a bonus.
The reason it matters here specifically: federal law allows employers to pay a "tipped minimum wage" as low as $2.13/hour in many states, on the assumption that tips make up the difference. A few states (notably California, Oregon, and Washington) require the full minimum wage for tipped workers, but across most of the country tips genuinely are the wage. Tipping fairly is part of paying for the service you received. See the tipped minimum wage for every state →
Pre-tax or post-tax?
Tip on the pre-tax subtotal. Sales tax is a government charge, not a service you're tipping on. The difference is small - an 18% tip on a $100 bill with 8% tax is $16.55 pre-tax versus $18.00 post-tax - and either is acceptable, but pre-tax is the precise method. Many card terminals and the "suggested tip" written on receipts calculate post-tax, but don't specifically mention it, so check carefully. The tip calculator here defaults to pre-tax.
When not to tip
Tipping culture has expanded in recent years - prompts now appear at coffee shops, retail counters, and self-checkout kiosks. For these situations a tip is genuinely optional:
- Retail stores - no tip expected, regardless of what the screen suggests.
- Fast-casual and counter service (Chipotle, a bakery, a coffee shop where you order and pay at the counter) - optional; $1 or rounding up is plenty.
- Self-checkout kiosks - no tip; there is no one to tip.
- Skilled tradespeople (plumbers, electricians, contractors) - they set their own rates and many companies prohibit employees from accepting tips.
The exception is diner counter service where a server takes your order and brings your food - that's table service, so tip it like a restaurant. For a deeper look at why tip prompts have spread so widely - and the data on how Americans actually feel about it - see our tipping culture explainer.
Common tipping questions
Large groups already include a gratuity - do I tip more?
Check the bill first. Restaurants almost always add an automatic gratuity (often 18–20%) for parties of 6 or more. If it's already there, you don't need to add a full second tip - a small extra for exceptional service is plenty.
Do I tip at counter service or fast-casual restaurants?
Not as a rule. Order-at-counter spots (coffee shops, bakeries, fast-casual) do not expect a tip, even if the screen suggests 20–30%. A dollar or rounding up is a fine, optional gesture.
What about the tip prompts on payment screens and iPads?
Table service = tip normally. Counter service = optional. Self-service and retail = no tip. A screen asking 25–30% is pressure, not expectation.
Explore tipping topics
Guides, calculators, and references for every tipping situation.