Tipping norms in the US have shifted significantly over the past decade -- and the rise of tablet checkout screens asking for 20%, 25%, or 30% on every transaction has left many people genuinely confused about what's expected versus what's excessive. Here's a clear, practical guide.
Restaurant Tipping: The Standard Range
For sit-down restaurant service in the US, the broadly accepted range is 15% to 20%, with 20% now being the standard for good service in most cities.
- 15%: Minimum for adequate service. Still appropriate for buffets or counter service where servers do less work.
- 18%: Good service. The old standard; still used in some regions.
- 20%: The current standard for good service in most US markets.
- 25% or more: Exceptional service, celebratory meals, or when you want to show extra appreciation.
Note: Some restaurants automatically add a gratuity (typically 18-20%) for large parties of 6 or more. Always check your bill before adding a tip on top.
Food Delivery
For delivery apps (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub), 15% to 20% of the order total is standard, with a minimum of $3-5 regardless of order size. Delivery involves more physical effort than table service, and drivers often depend heavily on tips since base pay from the app can be low.
For complex orders, bad weather, or long distances, 20-25% is appropriate.
Rideshare (Uber, Lyft)
Tipping is optional but appreciated. The standard range is 15-20%. A flat $1-2 for short rides and 15-20% for longer ones is common. Unlike restaurants, drivers don't rely on tips as much of their income, but it's still a meaningful gesture.
Hotel Service
| Service | Suggested Tip |
|---|---|
| Housekeeping (per night) | $2-5 |
| Bellhop / luggage porter | $1-2 per bag |
| Concierge (simple request) | No tip required |
| Concierge (hard-to-get reservation) | $10-20 |
| Room service | 15-20% if not included |
When Is It Okay to Tip Less?
Tipping less than 15% is appropriate when: service was genuinely poor (not just slow due to the kitchen), the server was rude or dismissive, or the order was significantly wrong and not corrected. It is not appropriate to reduce a tip because of kitchen delays, food quality issues the server couldn't control, or personal disagreement with tipping culture.
The Tip Screen Problem
Coffee shops, counter-service restaurants, and retail stores increasingly show tip screens. There is no obligation to tip at true counter service where you order and pick up your own food. The social pressure of the screen is real, but a 0% or "no tip" selection is entirely appropriate at a coffee counter or fast-casual restaurant where no table service was provided.
To calculate any tip instantly for any bill size, use our Tip Calculator -- it also splits the total among any number of people.