Tip Calculator

Quick Tipping Guide

Not sure how much to tip? Here are the standard tipping percentages for common services in the United States.

For a detailed breakdown of tipping percentages across every service type, read our complete tipping guide for 2026.

Understanding Tipping in America

Tipping is deeply woven into American service culture, and the numbers tell the story. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Americans spent over $70 billion in tips in 2025 alone, making gratuities a significant part of the national economy. Roughly 43 million workers in the United States depend on tipped occupations as their primary source of income, spanning restaurants, bars, salons, delivery services, and hospitality.

The standard restaurant tip has shifted upward over the past decade. What was once a firm 15% baseline has evolved to 18% to 20% as the new expected norm for sit-down dining. Industry surveys consistently show that the average American now tips around 19.5% at full-service restaurants, with younger diners (ages 25-34) tipping the highest at an average of 20.4%. Meanwhile, the rise of digital payment terminals and tip screens at counter-service locations has expanded tipping into categories where it was previously uncommon, such as coffee shops, fast-casual restaurants, and even self-checkout kiosks.

The biggest change to tipping in decades arrived in July 2025 with the signing of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which included the landmark "No Tax on Tips" provision. This law exempts federal income tax on both cash and credit card tips for workers earning under $160,000 per year. While FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare) still apply, the provision means tipped workers keep significantly more of their earnings. For a server earning $40,000 in annual tips, this could mean roughly $4,000 to $6,000 in additional take-home pay each year. The law has been called the most significant change to how tips are taxed since the IRS began requiring tip reporting in 1982.

When to Tip More or Less

Knowing when to adjust your tip above or below the standard range is an important part of tipping etiquette. For exceptional service, where your server goes above and beyond with attentiveness, menu knowledge, or special accommodations, tipping 25% or more is a generous way to show appreciation. Large party dining (typically six or more guests) often includes an automatic gratuity of 18% to 20%, which is standard because large tables require significantly more server effort and time. During the holiday season (November through January), it is customary to tip double your normal amount for regular service providers like housekeepers, doormen, mail carriers, and hairdressers. For delivery drivers working in bad weather, an extra $3 to $5 on top of the standard tip acknowledges the difficult conditions.

On the other hand, there are situations where a lower tip is perfectly acceptable. Buffet restaurants where you serve yourself typically warrant a 10% tip, since the server's role is limited to drinks and clearing plates. Counter service at coffee shops or fast-casual spots does not require a tip at all, though $1 to $2 or 10% is a kind gesture if the staff was helpful. For takeout orders, tipping is optional but a small tip of 10% to 15% is appreciated for large or complex orders. Understanding these nuances helps you tip with confidence in every situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I tip at a restaurant in 2026?

The standard restaurant tip in 2026 is 18% to 20% of your pre-tax bill for sit-down dining. This has increased from the traditional 15% baseline that was common a decade ago. For exceptional service, tipping 25% or more is appropriate. If you are dining at a fine-dining establishment, read our guide on when 20% is not enough. Always calculate your tip on the pre-tax subtotal of your bill for the most accurate amount.

Is it rude to tip 15%?

Tipping 15% is no longer considered generous, but it is not rude in every situation. At a full-service restaurant, 15% signals that the service was adequate but not impressive. For counter service, takeout, or buffets, 15% is perfectly appropriate or even generous. The key context is the type of establishment: sit-down restaurants with dedicated servers now expect 18% to 20% as the baseline, while other service types have different norms. Learn more about the evolving landscape in our complete tipping guide.

Do I need to tip for takeout?

Tipping on takeout is optional but increasingly appreciated. A tip of 10% to 15% is generous for takeout, especially for large or complex orders. The pandemic permanently shifted attitudes about takeout tipping, with many customers now leaving something for the staff who prepared and packaged their food. That said, there is no strong social obligation to match dine-in tip percentages for takeout. For more details, read our full breakdown on whether to tip on takeout.

Are tips tax-free now?

As of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed in July 2025, tips are exempt from federal income tax for workers earning under $160,000 per year. This applies to both cash and credit card tips. However, Social Security and Medicare (FICA) taxes still apply, and state income tax treatment varies. For a detailed explanation of what this means for service workers, see our article on the No Tax on Tips law.

How do I calculate tip on a split bill?

To calculate tip on a split bill, start with the full pre-tax bill amount and calculate the tip on the total (for example, 20% of $120 = $24). Then divide both the food cost and tip equally among everyone in your group. Each of four people would pay $36 ($30 food + $6 tip). Our tip calculator above handles this automatically with the split feature. For more complex group dining scenarios, check out our guide on tipping for large group dinners.