Tip Calculator
Calculate the perfect tip amount and easily split bills between friends. Plus, see recommended tips for every service.
Tip Calculator
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How Much to Tip: Complete Guide
Recommended tip amounts for services in the United States
| Service | Recommended Tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Restaurants (Sit-down)
|
15% – 20% | 15% for adequate service, 18-20% for good/great service. Tip on pre-tax amount. |
|
Bartenders
|
15% – 20% | $1-2 per drink for simple orders, 15-20% for tabs or craft cocktails. |
|
Food Delivery
|
15% – 20% | Minimum $3-5. More for bad weather, large orders, or long distances. |
|
Coffee Shops / Cafes
|
$1 – $2 or 10% – 15% | Optional. More appreciated for complex drinks or table service. |
|
Hotel Housekeeping
|
$2 – $5 per night | Leave daily (different staff may clean). More for luxury hotels or extra requests. |
|
Hotel Room Service
|
15% – 20% | Check if gratuity is already included in the bill before tipping extra. |
|
Hair Salon / Barber
|
15% – 20% | Tip stylist and separately tip shampoo person $2-5 if applicable. |
|
Nail Salon
|
15% – 20% | Standard for manicures and pedicures. Cash is often preferred. |
|
Spa / Massage
|
15% – 20% | Some spas add gratuity automatically. Check before adding more. |
|
Taxi / Rideshare
|
15% – 20% | Tip in app or cash. More for help with luggage or long waits. |
|
Tour Guides
|
$5 – $10 per person | More for private tours or full-day excursions. $1-5 for free walking tours. |
|
Movers
|
$20 – $50 per mover | $20 for small/easy moves, $50+ for large, difficult, or all-day moves. |
|
Furniture Delivery
|
$5 – $20 per person | Not always expected. Tip more for heavy items, stairs, or assembly help. |
|
Home Services (Plumber, Electrician)
|
Not expected | Tips appreciated but not required. $10-20 for exceptional service. |
|
Valet Parking
|
$2 – $5 | Tip when car is returned. More at upscale venues or for special requests. |
Tipping Etiquette: What You Need to Know
Tipping is customary in the United States and is an important part of service worker compensation. Many tipped employees earn a lower base wage with the expectation that tips will make up the difference. Understanding when and how much to tip helps ensure fair compensation for good service.
When to Tip More
- Large parties: Groups of 6+ often have automatic gratuity (18-20%). If not, tip on the higher end for the extra work involved.
- Complex orders: Multiple modifications, allergies, or special requests require extra attention.
- Holidays: Service workers often work holidays away from family. Consider tipping 20-25%.
- Bad weather: Delivery drivers in rain, snow, or extreme heat deserve extra appreciation.
- Exceptional service: When someone goes above and beyond, reward it.
Quick Tip Math
Can't calculate percentages in your head? Here are some shortcuts:
- 10%: Move the decimal point one place left ($50.00 → $5.00)
- 15%: Calculate 10%, then add half of that ($5.00 + $2.50 = $7.50)
- 20%: Calculate 10%, then double it ($5.00 × 2 = $10.00)
- 18%: Calculate 20%, then subtract a little ($10.00 - $1.00 = $9.00)
International Tipping
Tipping customs vary significantly around the world. In Japan and South Korea, tipping can be considered rude or confusing. In many European countries, service charges are included in the bill, and additional tipping is optional (rounding up is common). In Australia and New Zealand, tipping isn't expected but is appreciated for exceptional service. Always research local customs before traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
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