Tipping customs vary significantly around the world. In the United States, tipping 15% to 20% is standard at sit-down restaurants, with 20% increasingly considered the baseline for good service. For counter service, coffee shops, and takeout, tips of $1 to $2 or 10% to 15% are common but not always expected. Delivery drivers typically receive 15% to 20% of the order total, with a minimum of $3 to $5.
In many European countries, a service charge is included in the bill, and additional tipping is optional. In Japan and South Korea, tipping is generally not practiced and can sometimes be considered rude. If you are traveling internationally, researching local tipping norms beforehand helps you avoid awkward situations and show appropriate appreciation.
When splitting a bill with a group, calculate the tip on the full bill amount before dividing. This ensures the server receives the correct total tip. Some people prefer to calculate tips on the pre-tax subtotal rather than the after-tax total, which is acceptable and can save a small amount. For large groups of six or more, many restaurants automatically add an 18% to 20% gratuity, so check your bill to avoid double-tipping.
In the United States, 15% to 20% is the standard tipping range for sit-down restaurant service. For excellent service, 20% to 25% is appropriate. For counter service or takeout, 10% to 15% or a dollar or two is common. Standards vary by country and service type.
Either approach is acceptable. Tipping on the pre-tax subtotal is technically more traditional and saves a small amount. Tipping on the post-tax total is simpler since that is the number prominently displayed on the receipt. The difference is usually only a dollar or two.
The simplest method is to divide the total (bill plus tip) equally among all diners. If people ordered items at very different price points, you can calculate each person's share based on what they ordered and add their proportional tip. This calculator handles the equal-split method automatically.
If the bill already includes a service charge or automatic gratuity, an additional tip is not expected but is appreciated for exceptional service. Check your receipt carefully, as some restaurants include service charges for large parties. The included amount is usually noted at the bottom of the bill.
For food delivery, 15% to 20% of the order total is standard, with a minimum of $3 to $5 for small orders. Consider tipping more for long distances, bad weather, or large orders. The delivery fee charged by apps typically does not go to the driver, so the tip is their primary compensation for the trip.