Tipping in the US is practically an art form. One day you’re at a casual diner, the next you’re at a white-tablecloth steakhouse, and the “rules” seem to shift. You want to be a “good” customer without feeling like you’re being taken advantage of. Here is the breakdown of what actually constitutes a good tip in today’s world.
The quick answer
In the US, a 20% tip is widely considered a “good” tip for standard, quality service. 15% is the baseline for acceptable service, and 25% or more is a way to signal that the service was exceptional.
The Tipping Spectrum
Tipping is a direct reflection of your experience. Here is how to categorize your tip:
15% (The Baseline):
The service was fine. The food arrived on time, the drinks were refilled, and the server was professional. It wasn’t a “wow” experience, but it wasn’t bad.
18% to 20% (The Standard):
The service was great. The server was attentive, knowledgeable about the menu, and made the meal feel seamless. This is the most common tip for a positive dining experience.
22% to 25%+ (The Exceptional):
The server went above and beyond. Maybe they handled a difficult allergy with extreme care, recommended the perfect wine pairing, or stayed cheerful despite a slammed dining room.
Special scenarios: Takeout and Delivery
Tipping for food you don’t eat in the restaurant is where most people get confused.
Takeout (Pick-up):
Since there is no table service, you aren’t “obligated” to tip. However, many people leave 10% or a flat $2–$5 as a thank-you for the packaging and coordination.
Delivery:
As mentioned in our delivery guide, a $3–$5 minimum is the gold standard, with 15–20% being preferred for larger orders.
Restaurant tipping guide
| Service Level | Typical Tip % | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Poor | 0% – 10% | Slow service, mistakes, or rudeness |
| Acceptable | 15% | Standard, professional service |
| Good | 18% – 20% | Attentive and friendly service |
| Exceptional | 22% – 25% | Went above and beyond |
Do you tip on the tax?
Technically, you tip on the subtotal (the cost of food and drink before tax). However, most people just tip on the final total because it’s easier. Tipping on the tax only adds a few cents or dollars to the bill, and servers certainly don’t mind it.
Frequently asked questions
Is it rude to tip 10%?
In the US, 10% is often seen as a “warning” tip—it tells the server that something was wrong with the service. If the service was fine, 15% is the safer minimum.
What if the service was truly terrible?
If the service was genuinely bad, you can tip less or not at all. However, the best move is to speak with a manager. A tip is a reward for service, but a manager’s feedback is how a restaurant actually improves.
Should I tip more for a large party?
Many restaurants add an “automatic gratuity” (usually 18%) for parties of 6 or more. Check your bill before adding more. If it’s already there, you can add a bit more if the service was exceptional, but you aren’t required to.
Not sure how the math works for a big group dinner? Our tip calculator handles the percentages and the split for you instantly.
For tipping in every other situation, see our complete US tipping guide.