Everyday · Quick Answer
How is a tip calculated?
Tip = bill × tip percentage. In the US, standard restaurant tipping is 15-20% of the pre-tax bill. Quick mental math: 10% = move the decimal one place left; 20% = double that.
Standard US tipping
- Sit-down restaurant: 18-20% of pre-tax bill
- Counter service / coffee: 10-15% or tip jar optional
- Bartender: $1-$2 per drink, or 15-20% on a bar tab
- Rideshare: 15-20%
- Food delivery: 15-20% with a $3 minimum
- Hair stylist / barber: 15-20%
- Hotel housekeeping: $3-$5 per day, left daily
Mental math shortcut
For a $63.40 bill:
- Move decimal left → 10% is $6.34
- Double it → 20% is $12.68
- Split the difference → 15% is about $9.50
Tax inclusion
Tip on the pre-tax subtotal is standard. Tipping on the post-tax total is more generous but not required.