Tip Calculator

Restaurants & Dining

• Full-service restaurants: 18-22% for good service
• Fine dining: 20-25% for exceptional service
• Casual dining: 15-20% standard
• Buffets: 10-15% for table service
• Takeout: 10% or $1-3 (optional but appreciated)

Delivery & Transportation

• Food delivery: 15-20% or minimum $3-5
• Taxi/Uber/Lyft: 15-20%
• Airport shuttle: $2-5 per bag
• Valet parking: $2-5 when retrieving car

Personal Services

• Hair stylist: 15-20%
• Massage therapist: 15-20%
• Nail technician: 15-20%
• Spa services: 18-20%

Bars & Beverages

• Bartender: $1-2 per drink or 15-20% of tab
• Wine service: 15-20% of wine cost
• Coffee shop: $0.50-1 per drink (tip jar)

Equal Split Method

The simplest approach is to divide the total bill (including tip) equally among all diners. This works best when everyone ordered similarly priced items and shared appetizers or drinks.

Proportional Split Method

When there's a significant difference in what people ordered, consider splitting proportionally. Each person pays for their items plus their share of shared items and tip.

Tips for Group Dining

• Discuss payment method before ordering
• Designate one person to handle the calculation
• Round up to the nearest dollar for easier payment
• Use payment apps for easy money transfers
• Consider the server's effort when determining tip percentage

General Etiquette

• Tip in cash when possible - servers receive it immediately
• Be discreet when calculating and leaving tips
• Consider the service quality, not just the food quality
• Tip based on the original price, not discounted amounts
• When in doubt, err on the side of generosity

Special Situations

• Comped meals: Tip on the original bill amount
• Gift certificates: Tip on the full value of the meal
• Large groups: Some restaurants add automatic gratuity
• Poor food quality: Don't reduce tip if service was good
• Exceptional service: Consider tipping above 20%

International Considerations

Tipping customs vary significantly by country. In some places, tipping is not expected or even considered rude. Research local customs when traveling, as what's appropriate in one culture may not be in another.

Digital Payment Tips

• Many payment terminals now suggest tip amounts
• These suggestions are often based on post-tax amounts
• You can always select "custom" to enter your preferred amount
• Digital tips are typically processed with your payment

What's the standard tip percentage for restaurants?

The standard tip for restaurants is typically 18-22% for good service. 15% is considered the minimum for acceptable service, while 20% or more is appropriate for excellent service. Some areas may have different customs, so consider local practices.

Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?

It's generally acceptable to tip on either the pre-tax or post-tax amount. Many people prefer to tip on the pre-tax amount as it's slightly lower, but tipping on the total including tax is also common and shows extra appreciation.

How do I handle poor service when tipping?

For poor service, you can reduce the tip to 10-15%, but avoid leaving no tip unless the service was truly unacceptable. Consider speaking with a manager about serious service issues rather than just reducing the tip.

Do I need to tip for takeout orders?

Tipping for takeout is optional but appreciated. A small tip of 10% or a few dollars is common, especially if the staff helped with special requests or if you're a regular customer. Delivery orders should always include a tip.