How much to tip — and who deserves it
Tipping customs vary by country. US default shown. Adjust based on service quality and local norms.
The standard tip in the US is 15-20% before tax. 15% is considered the minimum acceptable, 18% is standard for good service, 20% for excellent service, and 25%+ for outstanding service. Never tip before tax is added.
No. Always calculate tip on the pre-tax subtotal only. Tipping on tax is non-standard and not expected. US servers are taxed on their reported tips, so the pre-tax amount is the correct base.
$1-2 per drink or 15-20% of the bar tab. For expensive cocktails ($15+), $2 per drink is standard. At a full bar with tab running $100+, 20% is appreciated. Tip in cash when possible — bartenders often have to share card tips.
$3-5 for small orders, $5-10 for large orders, 15-20% for premium service. In bad weather, tip higher. If the delivery person had to climb stairs or bring it to your door, add extra. Never tip less than $3.
Japan, Australia, New Zealand, much of Europe. In Japan, tipping is considered rude. In Australia and NZ, a service charge may be included. In Europe, "rounding up" is common but not required. In the UK, 10-15% is standard if service isn't included.
The IRS requires restaurants with $500K+ in food sales to allocate at least 8% of tips to a tip pool for redistribution to back-of-house staff (kitchen, bussers). Front-of-house tips may also be shared. Your tip still goes to your server — they decide how much to contribute to the pool.
Run a better restaurant or hospitality business. These tools help with scheduling, payroll, and operations.
We may earn a commission if you click above. Calculator is free to use.