How much to tip
| Service | Common range |
|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurant | 15% – 20%+ |
| Bar (per drink) | $1 – $2 or 15% – 20% |
| Food delivery | 15% – 20%, often with a minimum |
| Hair salon or barber | 15% – 20% |
| Taxi or rideshare | 10% – 20% |
| Hotel housekeeping | a few dollars per night |
Customs vary by region and by the service you received. These ranges are common in the United States, not rules.
Tip in your head
Move the decimal one place left to get 10%, then double it for 20%. On an $86.40 bill, 10% is $8.64, so 20% is about $17.28.
For 15%, take 10% and add half of it: $8.64 + $4.32 = $12.96. For 18%, a quick estimate is 20% minus a little: about $15.55 on the same bill.
Worked example: splitting a dinner
Four friends get an $86.40 bill and agree on a 20% tip. The tip is $17.28 and the total is $103.68, so each person pays $25.92. If you'd rather pay round numbers, three people can pay $26 and one pays $25.68.
Frequently asked questions
Should I tip on the total before or after tax?
Many people tip on the pre-tax amount, which is common etiquette. Tipping on the total is simpler and slightly more generous. Enter whichever amount you prefer.
What if a service charge is already included?
Check the bill. If a service charge or automatic gratuity is listed, an extra tip is usually optional.
How do I split a bill when people ordered different amounts?
Add up each person's items, add their share of tax, and apply the same tip percentage to each subtotal. An even split is simpler and works well when orders are similar.
Do I tip on alcohol and discounted items?
Most people tip on the full price of everything served, including drinks and items reduced by a coupon, because the server's work is the same.