How Much Should You Tip? A Complete Guide (2026)
2026-05-23
Quick Answer
Quick Answer: In the United States, a standard restaurant tip is 15–20% of the bill after tax. For a $60 bill with an 18% tip, you leave $10.80, for a total of $70.80. Use our Tip Calculator to split bills instantly.
Tipping standards in the US
Most sit-down restaurants expect 15% as a minimum and 18–20% for good service. For large groups, some restaurants add an automatic 18% gratuity — check your receipt before tipping twice.
How to calculate tip step by step
- Take your bill total (usually after tax).
- Multiply by the tip percentage (e.g. 0.18 for 18%).
- Add that amount to the bill for the grand total.
- Divide by the number of people if splitting.
Example: $60 × 18% = $10.80 tip → $70.80 total → $35.40 each for 2 people.
Before tax vs after tax
Many people tip on the after-tax total because that matches what they pay. Either approach is common — pick one and stay consistent.
Tipping for other services
| Service | Typical tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurant (sit-down) | 15–20% |
| Food delivery | $3–5 or 15% |
| Hotel housekeeping | $2–5 per night |
| Hair salon | 15–20% |
Try It Yourself
Ready to calculate? Use our free Tip Calculator — enter your bill, pick 15/18/20%, and split among friends in one tap.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I tip on a $50 bill?
At 18%, tip $9.00 for a total of $59.00.
Is 20% tip standard in 2026?
In the US, 18–20% is widely considered standard for sit-down dining.
Should I tip on takeout?
Takeout tipping is optional but 10% or a few dollars is appreciated for large or complex orders.