Smart Tip Calculator
Adjust for service quality, situation, and split — get a real dollar amount.
🍽️ Restaurants & Dining
Sit-down restaurants are where tipping is most expected in the US. Your server typically keeps 15–25% of their tips, sharing the rest with bussers and bartenders.
Sit-down restaurant
15% for poor service, 20% for good, 25%+ for exceptional. Tip on the pre-tax total if you prefer.
ExpectedBar / bartender
$1 per beer or simple drink, $2 for cocktails. 20% applies for a full tab or bottle service.
ExpectedBuffet
You serve yourself, but staff clear plates and refill drinks. 10% is fair; tip in cash if you can.
OptionalCafé / counter service
No obligation for drip coffee. For custom drinks (barista skill involved), $1 or 15% is appreciated.
OptionalTakeout (pickup)
No required tip for simple orders. 10–15% if the order is large, complex, or involves full prep.
OptionalWine sommelier
Tip on the wine separately or as part of the full bill. Many sommeliers share in tip pool.
Appreciated💡 The tipping screen dilemma
When a tablet prompts 18%, 20%, 25% at a counter, you're not obligated to tip at all. These screens are marketing — not a social contract. Use your judgment based on whether there's real service involved.
🛵 Delivery
Delivery tips go directly to the driver — not the restaurant. Apps often pay base wages as low as $2–3/delivery, making tips critical income.
App delivery (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub)
Never tip below $3–4 regardless of order size. 15–20% for normal. Add more for bad weather, stairs, or long distance.
ExpectedPizza / direct delivery
$3 minimum for a short trip, $5+ for distance, large orders, or bad weather. Cash is king here.
ExpectedGrocery delivery (Instacart, Shipt)
Shoppers do significant labor. $5 minimum for small orders, 15% for larger. Tip for same-day service.
ExpectedAmazon / package delivery
UPS, FedEx, and Amazon drivers are salaried. No tip expected. A holiday gift ($5–20) is a generous gesture.
Optional🚗 Rides & Transportation
Most ride-share drivers earn under $15/hr before tips after expenses. Tipping is increasingly expected.
Uber / Lyft (standard)
Tip via the app after the ride. $1–2 for short trips. Add more for a clean car, great conversation, or help with bags.
ExpectedUber / Lyft (Black / XL)
Premium service warrants premium tips. 20% is standard; these drivers have higher costs and wait times.
ExpectedTaxi / cab
Traditional taxis: 15–20% is expected. Cash preferred. Round up in cities where hailing is competitive.
ExpectedLimo / private car
Even if gratuity is "included," additional cash tips are appreciated for great service, especially for events.
AppreciatedAirport shuttle
$2 per person with luggage help. $3–5 for exceptional or private service.
ExpectedParking valet
$2 at drop-off and $2–5 at pickup (or just at pickup). More for a luxury vehicle or difficult lot.
Expected🏨 Hotels & Accommodations
Hotel tipping is one of the most overlooked areas. Housekeeping staff are often poorly paid and rarely tipped.
Housekeeper / maid
Leave daily (not at checkout) — staff rotates. $3–5 in upscale hotels, $2–3 budget hotels. Leave with a note.
AppreciatedBellhop / porter
$2 per bag is standard. $5 minimum for any service. More for heavy luggage or multiple trips.
ExpectedConcierge
$5 for basic recommendations. $10–20 for reservations, event tickets, or going well above and beyond.
SituationalRoom service
Check if a service charge is already added. If yes, no extra tip needed. If not, 15–20% applies.
ExpectedPool / beach attendant
$2–3 for setting up chairs. $5 if they go out of their way (towels, umbrellas, drink orders).
OptionalSpa / hotel massage
Even if a service charge is added, many therapists don't see it. 15–20% cash tip is generous.
Expected✂️ Beauty & Wellness
This is one of the highest-tip expectation categories. Many stylists rent their booth and tip is a major part of their income.
Haircut / styling
Even if the stylist is the owner. $20%+ for a good cut. Note: shampoo assistants deserve $2–5 separately.
ExpectedBarber
$3–5 on a $25 cut is the norm. More for beard work or extra time. Cash preferred at traditional barbers.
ExpectedMassage therapist
$15–20% on the pre-discount price. If you got a Groupon, tip on the regular rate — don't penalize the therapist.
ExpectedNail tech (mani/pedi)
$5–10 on a $40–50 service. Cash tips are much preferred over card — often higher takeaway for the tech.
ExpectedTattoo artist
15% minimum, 20–25% for custom work. For a multi-session piece, tip at each session or give a lump sum at the end.
ExpectedEyebrow threading / waxing
$3–5 minimum on any service. Cash is much preferred and more likely to go directly to the technician.
Expected🏠 Home & Personal Services
These situations are murkier — here's exactly what's appropriate.
Movers (local)
$20/person for a short easy move, $50+ for a full day of hard work. Provide water and snacks too. Pay cash.
ExpectedHouse cleaner (regular)
Tip weekly if recurring service ($10–20/visit), or 15% for a one-time cleaning. Holiday bonus = 1 week's rate.
SituationalDog groomer
$5 minimum, 20% for a challenging dog. Groomers often work on commission and tips matter a lot.
ExpectedDog walker
10–15% per walk for regular walkers. Holiday tip = 1 week's service. Extra for bad weather or emergencies.
OptionalPlumber / electrician / HVAC
Trade professionals set their own rates and generally don't expect tips. $20–50 cash for exceptional work is a kind gesture.
OptionalFurniture / appliance delivery
$10–20 per person who helps carry items in. More for heavy pieces, stairs, or assembly.
Appreciated✈️ Travel & Tourism
International norms vary — this section covers the US + common tourist scenarios.
Tour guides
$5–10/person per half-day tour, $10–20/person for a full day. Private guide: $20–50+ depending on the experience.
Cruise staff
Most cruises add a daily gratuity automatically ($15–25/day/person). Extra $5–10 cash for standout crew you interacted with.
Coat check
$1–2 per item. $1 minimum even if there's already a fee charged. Have it ready — fumbling looks awkward.
Casino dealers
Tipping is optional but common. Place a bet "for the dealer" or tip $1–5 chips periodically. Not mandatory.
Ski resort attendants
Ski valets: $5–10 for equipment storage/retrieval. Lessons: 10–20%. Ski-in/ski-out hotel staff: same as hotel norms.
Tipping abroad
Many countries (Japan, South Korea, parts of Europe) find tipping rude. Research your destination. Never tip in Japan.
📋 Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
The complete picture at a glance — bookmark or screenshot this table.
| Service | Standard tip | Minimum | Generous | Expected? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurant | 18–22% | 15% | 25%+ | Yes |
| Bartender | $1–2/drink | $1 | 20% | Yes |
| Café / coffee counter | $1 or 10–15% | $0 | 15% | Optional |
| Takeout | 0–10% | $0 | 15% | No |
| App delivery | 15–20% / $3–5 min | $3 | $7+ | Yes |
| Pizza delivery | $3–5 | $3 | $8+ | Yes |
| Grocery delivery | 10–15% | $5 | 20% | Yes |
| Uber / Lyft | 15–20% | $1 | 25% | Expected |
| Taxi / cab | 15–20% | 15% | 25% | Yes |
| Valet parking | $2–5 | $2 | $10 | Yes |
| Hotel housekeeper | $2–5/night | $2 | $8 | Rarely done |
| Bellhop | $1–2/bag | $2 total | $5 | Yes |
| Concierge | $5–20 | $0 | $25 | Situational |
| Haircut / salon | 20–25% | 15% | 30% | Yes |
| Barber | 15–20% | $3 | 25% | Yes |
| Massage therapist | 15–20% | 15% | 25% | Yes |
| Nail tech | 15–20% | $5 | 25% | Yes |
| Tattoo artist | 15–25% | 15% | 30% | Yes |
| Dog groomer | 15–20% | $5 | 25% | Yes |
| Movers | $20–50/person | $15 | $75 | Expected |
| House cleaner | 10–15% | $10 | 20% | Optional |
| Furniture delivery | $10–20/person | $5 | $25 | Appreciated |
| Tour guide | $10–20/person | $5 | $25 | Expected |
| Plumber / contractor | Not expected | — | $20 cash | No |
❓ Tipping FAQ
The questions people actually search for — answered honestly.
Yes, but you can reduce it. 10–15% communicates dissatisfaction more clearly than $0. No tip sends an ambiguous signal — it looks like you forgot rather than that you were unhappy. Exception: truly terrible service caused by the server's behavior (not the kitchen) — $0 is then fair.
Pre-tax is technically correct and what etiquette experts recommend — the server didn't provide more service because your city has higher taxes. In practice, the difference is small (~2%), and most people tip on the final amount. Either way is acceptable.
Traditionally, no — owners set their own rates and aren't expected to receive tips. But this norm has shifted: many owners work the floor themselves and depend on tips like their staff. When in doubt, tip. They can always decline.
If the receipt shows "service charge" or "gratuity included" (common for large parties), you don't need to add more. However, verify it's going to staff — some restaurants pocket service charges. An extra cash tip for exceptional service is always welcomed but never required.
Cash tips are almost always better for the worker. Card tips are subject to processing fees (1.5–3%), are taxable and tracked, and sometimes aren't distributed until payroll. Cash is immediate, untaxed in practice, and goes directly to the person. Always carry small bills.
For regular service providers (cleaner, dog walker, mail carrier, teacher), a one-time holiday gift equivalent to one week's service cost is the gold standard. For mail/delivery people: $20–25 cash. Teachers: a personal gift or card. You don't need to tip at every service interaction — just the people who serve you regularly.
Yes — and not in one direction. Americans report tipping fatigue as tablet screens request tips at coffee shops and self-checkout kiosks. At the same time, awareness of low service wages has increased tipping in delivery and ride-share. The result: more confusion, not less. When in doubt, tip — the worker needs it more than you need the $3.