How much to tip at a restaurant in the United States (2026 Guide)
18–20% of the pre-tax bill (15% is the floor)
15–20% of the bill is the typical range.
Tipping calculator
Cultural notes
Servers in most US states earn a sub-minimum "tipped wage" (the federal floor is $2.13/hr, though many states require more), so tips are not a bonus — they are the bulk of income. Emily Post has held 15–20% as the standard for decades, and 20% is now the de facto default on most card readers. Tip on the pre-tax subtotal; check the bill for an auto-applied "service charge" or "gratuity" (common for parties of 6+) before adding more. Tip-pooling is widespread, so your tip is usually shared with bussers, runners, and bartenders.
Common mistakes
Tipping on the post-tax total slightly overpays, which is fine, but tipping on top of an already-included service charge is a frequent and costly error. Don’t withhold a tip to "punish" the kitchen — servers usually have no control over food quality.
Frequently asked questions
Do I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax total in a US restaurant?
The traditional rule is pre-tax, which is what Emily Post recommends. In practice, many diners tip on the post-tax total because it is easier and only slightly more generous. Either is socially acceptable; servers will not be offended by pre-tax tipping.
Is a 15% tip insulting in 2026?
It is the low end of acceptable, not insulting. Etiquette experts still treat 15% as the floor for adequate service, but 20% has become the cultural default, so 15% may read as a quiet signal of mild dissatisfaction in higher-end restaurants.
What if a gratuity is already included on the bill?
Then you owe nothing extra. US restaurants are required to disclose any auto-gratuity (often 18–20% for large parties, prix fixe menus, or hospitality-included restaurants). Adding a second tip on top is generous but not expected.
Tipping other services in the United States
- Counter / takeawayOptional — $1–$2 or up to 10% if you tip
- Café$0.50–$1 per drink, or skip the prompt
- Bar$1–$2 per drink, or 18–20% on a tab
- Housekeeping$1–$5 per night, left daily
- Porter$2 per bag ($4–$5 heavy or oversized)
- Concierge$5–$20 for reservations; $50+ for hard-to-get bookings
- Taxi15–20% of fare, $2 minimum
- Rideshare15–20% of fare, $2–$3 minimum
- Food delivery15–20% of subtotal, $5 minimum
- Grocery delivery15–20% of subtotal, $5 minimum
- Hairdresser18–20% of service cost
- Spa18–20% of service cost
- Tour guide$5–$20 per person for group tours; 15–20% for private tours
- Tattoo artist20–25% of the total price
- Valet$3–$5 at retrieval; $5–$10 at luxury hotels
- Airport baggage$2 per bag standard, $3–$5 for heavy/oversized
- Busker$1–$5 if you stopped to listen
- Movers$20–$60 per mover, or 15–20% of total bill
- TradespersonNot expected; $20–$50 cash for exceptional or emergency work
Tipping at a restaurant in nearby countries
Last verified: · Sources: emilypost.com, cluballiance.aaa.com, money.usnews.com