How to Calculate a Tip — and What to Tip
Tipping is a voluntary payment added to a bill to reward good service. In the United States, tipping is a cultural norm at restaurants, bars, salons, and with delivery drivers. The standard tip at a sit-down restaurant is 15–20% of the pre-tax bill. For exceptional service, 25% or more is appropriate. When splitting a bill, it is courteous to calculate the tip on the full bill first, then divide the total equally.
Worked Example
A dinner bill is $87.50 for a table of 4. You want to tip 20%. Tip = $87.50 × 0.20 = $17.50. Total = $87.50 + $17.50 = $105.00. Per person = $105.00 ÷ 4 = $26.25. Quick mental math trick: find 10% ($8.75) and double it ($17.50) for a 20% tip.
Standard Tipping Guide by Service Type
| Service | Minimum | Standard | Excellent |
|---|
| Sit-down restaurant | 15% | 18–20% | 25%+ |
| Takeout / delivery | 0–10% | 10–15% | 20% |
| Bartender | 15% | 18–20% | $1/drink |
| Hair salon / spa | 15% | 20% | 25% |
| Taxi / rideshare | 10% | 15–20% | 25% |
| Hotel housekeeping | $2/night | $3–5/night | $5+/night |
