Tipping can feel confusing — expectations vary by service, city, and situation. This guide covers everything you need to know about tipping in the United States, from restaurants and bars to delivery drivers, hotel staff, and personal care services. Use our free tip calculator to figure out the exact amount in seconds.
How to Calculate a Tip
The math is simple: multiply your bill by the tip percentage, then divide by 100.
Formula: Tip = Bill × (Tip % ÷ 100)
For example, on a $85 dinner bill at 20%: $85 × 0.20 = $17 tip, making your total $102.
If you want to leave a clean dollar amount, round your total up or down — our tip calculator shows both options automatically.
Tipping at Restaurants
Sit-down restaurants are where tipping is most expected. Servers typically earn a lower base wage and rely on tips as the majority of their income.
| Service Level | Recommended Tip |
|---|---|
| Exceptional service | 25% or more |
| Great service | 20% |
| Good service | 18% |
| Adequate service | 15% |
| Poor service | 10% (consider speaking with a manager) |
A common shortcut: move the decimal one place left on your bill to get 10%, then double it for 20%. On a $74 bill, 10% is $7.40 — so 20% is about $14.80.
Should you tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
Etiquette guides traditionally say to tip on the pre-tax amount since tax isn't related to the service. In practice, most Americans tip on the post-tax total — the difference is small (usually under $1) and the math is easier. Either approach is completely acceptable.
What about tipping at buffets?
Buffets involve less table service, so a smaller tip of 10% is appropriate if staff refill drinks and clear plates. Self-serve buffets with minimal staff — a $1–$2 tip per person is sufficient.
Tipping for Food Delivery
Delivery drivers are often independent contractors who use their own vehicles and pay their own gas and maintenance. Tipping is expected and appreciated.
- Standard tip: 15–20% of the order total
- Minimum tip: $3–$5, regardless of order size
- Bad weather or difficult delivery: add an extra $2–$5
- Large orders: tip at least 15%, which is more meaningful on higher totals
Note that delivery fees and service charges shown in apps do not go to the driver — the tip field is the driver's income.
Tipping for Rideshare (Uber & Lyft)
Tipping rideshare drivers is optional in the apps but very much appreciated. Drivers keep 100% of tips.
- Short trips (under 10 min): $1–$2
- Medium trips (10–30 min): $2–$4
- Long trips or airport rides: $4–$6 or 15–20%
- XL or premium vehicles: 15–20%
Tipping at Bars
Bar tipping etiquette is slightly different from restaurant tipping.
- Per drink: $1–$2 per drink for beer or wine; $2 for cocktails
- On a tab: 15–20% of the total
- Open bar events: $1–$2 per drink as a courtesy, though not required
Tipping at Coffee Shops
Counter service tipping has become more common with digital payment screens. There's no strict obligation, but most people tip something, especially for regulars or complex orders.
- Simple order (drip coffee, tea): $0.50–$1
- Espresso drinks or complex orders: $1–$2
- Larger orders or loyalty to a spot: 10–15%
Tipping Hotel Staff
Hotel tipping is easy to forget but makes a real difference to staff who work hard behind the scenes.
| Service | Recommended Tip |
|---|---|
| Housekeeping | $2–$5 per night, left daily |
| Bellhop / luggage assistance | $1–$2 per bag |
| Concierge (basic info) | No tip required |
| Concierge (hard-to-get reservations) | $5–$20 |
| Room service | 15–20% if not already included |
| Valet parking | $2–$5 when retrieving your car |
For housekeeping, tip daily rather than at checkout — the same person may not clean your room every day.
Tipping at Hair Salons and Barbershops
Personal care services have a strong tipping culture. It's one of the most expected settings outside of restaurants.
- Haircut (stylist or barber): 15–20% of the service cost
- Colorist: 15–20%
- Shampoo assistant: $2–$5
- Nail technician: 15–20%
- Massage therapist: 15–20%
- Esthetician (facials, waxing): 15–20%
Even if the salon owner performs your service, tipping is still appropriate — the old rule that you don't tip owners has largely faded.
Tipping for Other Services
| Service | Recommended Tip |
|---|---|
| Taxi driver | 15–20% |
| Movers | $20–$50 per mover for a full-day move |
| Furniture delivery | $5–$20 per person |
| Grocery delivery (Instacart, etc.) | 15–20%, minimum $5 |
| Dog groomer | 15–20% |
| Tour guide | $5–$10 per person for group tours |
| Tattoo artist | 15–20% — this is strongly expected |
When Is It Okay Not to Tip?
Tipping is customary but not legally required. Situations where tipping is generally not expected include:
- Fast food counter service (though many now have tip prompts)
- Purchasing items at a retail store
- Government or professional services (doctors, lawyers, accountants)
- Self-checkout lanes
That said, if someone goes out of their way to help you, a tip is always a kind gesture.