How much to tip
In the United States, 18%–20% is the standard for full-service restaurants, with 15% on the lower end and 22%–25% for exceptional service or large parties. Many restaurants add an automatic 18%–20% gratuity for groups of six or more; check the receipt before adding another tip.
Tip before or after tax? Etiquette guides say tipping on the pre-tax amount is acceptable, but the difference is small and most people tip on the total. If you want to tip on the pre-tax subtotal, enter that as the bill.
Tipping outside restaurants
Common guidelines: food delivery 15%–20% or at least $3–$5; hair and nail services 15%–20%; rideshare 10%–20%; bartenders $1–$2 per drink or 15%–20% of the tab; hotel housekeeping $2–$5 per night; movers $20–$50 per person for a full day. Counter-service tip prompts are optional; tipping 10% or rounding up is generous for a grab-and-go order.
Splitting fairly
An even split works when everyone ordered similarly. When it doesn't, have each person enter their own items as the bill and apply the same tip percentage — the tip scales automatically. Most payment apps now let you request specific amounts from each person once you've worked out the shares.
Frequently asked questions
+What's 20% of a bill quickly?
Move the decimal one place left to get 10%, then double it. $86.40 → $8.64 → $17.28. For 15%, take 10% and add half of that.
+Should I tip on the tax?
Either is fine. Tipping on the total including tax is more common and slightly more generous; tipping on the pre-tax amount is accepted etiquette.
+Do I still tip if there's a service charge?
If the receipt says "gratuity" or "service charge" of 18%–20% and states it goes to staff, no additional tip is expected. If it's a small "kitchen fee" or "wellness fee," that is usually not a tip.