How Much Should You Tip? A Situation-by-Situation Guide
Standard tip percentages for restaurants, delivery, bars, salons, and rideshares, and how to adjust for service quality.
There's no single correct tip percentage for every situation — the right amount depends on the type of service, local convention, and how you felt about the experience. Here's a practical breakdown.
Restaurants
- Average service: 15-18% of the pre-tax bill.
- Great service: 20% or more.
- Buffets or counter service: 0-10%, since the service level is lower.
Delivery and rideshare
Delivery drivers typically get 10-15% of the order total, or a flat $3-5 for smaller orders — many delivery apps now suggest a default at checkout, which is a reasonable starting point. Rideshare and taxi tips generally run 10-15% of the fare.
Bars
A common rule of thumb is $1-2 per drink for simple orders, or 15-20% of the total tab if you're running a bill.
Personal services
Hair stylists, barbers, and similar personal-care services typically get 15-20%, similar to restaurant norms.
Adjusting for service quality
It's reasonable to tip below the standard range for genuinely poor service and above it for exceptional service — the percentages above are a starting point, not a fixed obligation disconnected from the actual experience.
Once you've settled on a percentage, the Tip Calculator turns it into an exact dollar amount and total for your bill.