Tipping in the United States
International tipping guide
Tipping in the United States
For U.S. restaurant table service, 18–20% is a common working range when gratuity is not already included.
Important international tipping disclaimer
Use this page as a starting point, not a universal rule. This page provides general U.S. etiquette and calculation guidance, not legal, tax, wage, employment, or financial advice. State and local wage laws, employer policies, union rules, venue disclosures, tip-pooling arrangements, and mandatory service-charge treatment vary. A compulsory service charge is not automatically the same as a voluntary tip under federal law, and a venue may distribute it differently. Read the receipt, ask the business when a charge is unclear, and verify current state or local rules before relying on any percentage.
Interactive travel tool
United States Tipping Calculator
For flat-amount services, this can remain as context while the quantity drives the result.
Enter the included percentage only when it clearly counts toward your intended gratuity.
The destination and service set a researched starting rate. You can override it transparently.
Quick tipping reference
These are starting ranges, not compulsory charges.
| Service | Starting range | Receipt or context check |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant table service | 15–20% | Check for automatic gratuity first. |
| Taxi or rideshare | 10–20% | Adjust for luggage, waiting or difficult pickup. |
| Hotel staff | USD 2–10 per bag, night or substantial request | The appropriate unit depends on the role. |
| Tour guide | USD 10–25 per traveler per day | Operator guidance can override this starting point. |
| Food delivery | 15–25% | Use a practical minimum for small or difficult orders. |
How tipping works in United States
Tipping is deeply established in many table-service and personal-service settings, but compulsory service charges are legally distinct from voluntary tips under U.S. federal wage law.
Receipt language to recognize
gratuity automatic gratuity service charge hospitality fee
Terminology alone does not prove that a charge reaches a particular worker. Ask the venue when distribution matters.
Why US tips are so high — and how to size them
Under federal law, employers may pay tipped workers a cash wage as low as $2.13 an hour if tips bring them up to the $7.25 minimum; many states set higher floors. That is why tips at sit-down restaurants are treated as part of the price, typically 18–20% today and 15% for basic service.
Pre-tax or post-tax?
Etiquette guides calculate the tip on the pre-tax subtotal. Many card terminals suggest percentages of the post-tax total, which quietly adds a little. Either is acceptable; just know which one the screen is using.
Situations that trip visitors up
- Bars: $1–$2 per drink, or 18–20% of a running tab.
- Counter service and self-checkout screens: optional; many people choose “no tip” for takeaway coffee.
- Large groups: an automatic 18–20% “gratuity” is often added for parties of six or more — check before adding another tip.
- Hotels: $2–$5 per bag for porters and $3–$5 per night for housekeeping, left daily with a note.
Worked example
New York dinner: subtotal $86.00, sales tax 8.875% = $7.63, total $93.63. A 20% tip on the subtotal is $17.20, so you pay $110.83.
Tax note: a federal income-tax deduction for qualified tips (up to $25,000 a year, 2025–2028) affects the worker’s tax, not how much a customer should tip.
More tipping guides
Compare customs in Canada, Mexico and the UK, or see every destination in Tipping by Country. To work out an amount for any bill, use the tip calculator.
Related calculators and country guides
Continue with the most useful next step.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I tip in United States?
Use the calculator as a starting point, then check the receipt, service type, local custom and venue policy.
Should I tip when a service charge is included?
Not automatically. Identify whether the charge replaces gratuity, is compulsory, or is simply another fee before adding more.
Should I calculate the tip before or after tax?
Use the base that matches local practice and your intention. The calculator keeps the choice transparent.
Do card-terminal tip prompts reflect local custom?
Not necessarily. A payment interface can show preset percentages even where tipping is optional or not expected.
Can the same country have different tipping rules?
Yes. City, region, resort, venue category, service type and booking terms can all change the practical answer.
Is 15% still acceptable in the US?
For basic or problematic service, yes. For good table service most diners now leave 18–20%.
Do I tip on takeout in the US?
It is optional. Many people leave 0–10% for takeout; for delivery, 15–20% with a $3–$5 minimum is typical.
Methodology and authoritative references
CalcTypes separates arithmetic from etiquette. The tool applies a transparent percentage or flat amount, while the editorial guidance identifies whether tipping is expected, optional, included or generally unnecessary. Sources are reviewed for destination relevance and receipt terminology.