Sit-down restaurants
15-20% of the pre-tax bill is the most commonly cited range in the US for full-service restaurant dining, with 20% increasingly treated as the default for good service. Use our tip calculator to instantly see the tip amount and per-person split for any bill and percentage.
Food delivery and takeout
Delivery tipping norms have shifted with the rise of app-based delivery — 15-20% of the order subtotal (before delivery fees) is a reasonable default, with a higher amount for difficult conditions like bad weather or a large, heavy order.
Salons, barbers, and personal services
15-20% is standard for haircuts, color services, and similar personal care, similar to restaurant norms. For a service performed by the business owner themselves, tipping norms vary more by region — check local custom if you're unsure.
Hotels and travel
Housekeeping is often tipped per night (commonly a few dollars per night, left daily rather than only at checkout, since staff can rotate), while a bellhop is typically tipped per bag rather than as a percentage. These are flat amounts, not percentage-based, unlike the other categories here.
Tipping outside the US
Tipping culture varies enormously by country — in many European and Asian countries, service charges are already included in the bill and additional tipping is modest or unexpected, while in others a 10% tip is standard. Check local norms for your specific destination before traveling rather than assuming US conventions apply.
Frequently asked questions
Should I tip on tax?
Tipping on the pre-tax subtotal is the more conservative and common practice, though tipping on the post-tax total is common enough that either is generally considered acceptable.
Is it ever okay to tip less than 15%?
Genuinely poor service is the main scenario most etiquette guides accept as grounds for a lower tip, though many recommend speaking to a manager about a real problem rather than using the tip alone as the only feedback.
Last reviewed: September 2026. This guide is for general informational purposes only and is not financial advice.