Tipping in America follows unwritten rules that everyone is expected to know. The good news is that the math is simple once you know what's expected in each situation.
The Standard Framework
Restaurants (sit-down) are the most common scenario. The current standard in the US is 18-20% for good service. 15% is considered the minimum for acceptable service. 10% or below signals that something went wrong. Above 20% is for exceptional experiences. Calculate on the pre-tax subtotal.
Bars and coffee shops follow simpler rules. For drinks at a bar, $1-2 per drink or 15-20% of the tab. For counter-service coffee, tipping is appreciated but not expected — $0.50 to $1 per drink is standard when you choose to tip.
Delivery drivers should receive 15-20% with a minimum of $3-5 regardless of order size. For takeout pickup, 10% is a nice gesture but not expected.
Services Beyond Food
Rideshare tipping has settled at 15-20%, similar to taxis. Hair stylists and barbers typically receive 15-25%. Hotel housekeeping should receive $2-5 per night, left daily rather than as a lump sum at checkout.
The quick mental math trick for any situation: calculate 10% by moving the decimal left ($85 → $8.50). Double it for 20% ($17). For 15%, take 10% and add half ($8.50 + $4.25 = $12.75). Fast enough for any table.
When Not to Tip
Not every service expects a tip. Fast food, retail stores, and professional services do not have tipping norms. The spread of tablet payment systems prompting for tips in these settings has created confusion, but you should not feel obligated where tipping isn't traditional.
When splitting a bill, calculate tip on the full pre-split amount then divide. Don't calculate individual tips on individual portions — rounding errors across multiple calculations often shortchange the server.
Skip the mental math entirely with our free Tip Calculator — custom percentages, bill splitting for any group size, and a reference table at every common tip level.