Service tipping pillar and lookup tool
How Much to Tip
Look up a service, compare a practical starting range, calculate the amount, and then open the detailed guide for the exceptions that matter.
Find a starting tip range
Use the amount charged for the service. For flat-dollar services, use the quantity field as described.
Important disclaimer
Read this before relying on a suggested amount. This lookup provides general educational guidance, primarily reflecting common U.S. etiquette ranges. Tipping is a social custom, not a universal legal requirement. Local law, country norms, employer rules, union agreements, included gratuity, service charges, platform policies and personal circumstances can change what is appropriate. Verify the receipt and provider policy. CalcTypes does not guarantee that any fee reaches a worker and does not provide legal, tax, employment, financial or travel advice.
How Much to Tip: practical guidance
There is no single percentage that applies to every service. Restaurant, salon and personal-service tips are often percentage based, while hotel staff, valets and movers frequently use flat-dollar amounts. The lookup tool keeps those methods separate instead of forcing every situation into one formula.
Calculate the exact tip and total when you need tax, included gratuity, service-charge handling, bill splitting or rounding.
What should change the amount?
1. Decision factor
Local custom and country
2. Decision factor
Whether gratuity or a service charge is already included
3. Decision factor
The amount of personal labor and time
4. Decision factor
Weather, stairs, luggage, heavy items or difficult access
5. Decision factor
Whether the provider or employer prohibits tips
Quick reference table
| Situation | Starting approach | Important check |
|---|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurant | 15%–20% of the pre-tax bill is a common U.S. guide | Check automatic gratuity and service fees |
| Food delivery | Often 15%–20%, with a practical minimum for small or difficult orders | Delivery fees are not automatically driver tips |
| Hair and nail services | Often 15%–20% of the service value | Ask how tips are divided when several people help |
| Hotel housekeeping | Usually a small amount per night, left daily | Hotel and country norms vary |
| Movers | Often a flat amount per mover, hourly amount or percentage | Crew size, duration, stairs and handling difficulty matter |
| Valet | Usually a small amount each time the car is returned | Free valet does not necessarily mean no tip |
Explore the How Much to Tip resource cluster
The pillar, service guides and calculator pages are designed to work as one internally linked system.
Core service pillar3 links
Food and hospitality5 links
Personal services4 links
Drivers, travel and home4 links
Calculator and decision support4 links
Related calculators and guides
Continue with the four most relevant next steps.
Frequently asked questions
Is 20% always the correct tip?
No. Twenty percent is a convenient U.S. reference for many percentage-based services, but flat-dollar services, local customs, venue policies and included charges can change the answer.
Should I tip on the pre-tax amount?
For restaurant bills, tipping on the pre-tax subtotal is widely accepted. Other services may use the full service price because no sales-tax distinction is involved.
What if a service charge is included?
Read the receipt and ask what the charge represents. A compulsory service charge is not automatically the same as a voluntary tip or proof that the worker received it.
Do I have to tip outside the United States?
No universal rule applies. Some countries include service in prices, some use modest rounding, and some generally do not expect tips.
What if the business does not accept tips?
Respect the policy. A positive review, direct compliment or note to a manager may be a better way to recognize good service.
Methodology and sources
The calculator separates percentage methods from flat per-unit methods and presents a range rather than pretending one amount is universally correct. Editorial guidance was reviewed against the following sources and should be rechecked periodically.