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Tipping basics in the U.S.

Tipping in the United States is less about perfection and more about consistency. People tip to show appreciation, to recognize good service, and to meet social norms in service industries that rely on gratuities. If you are new to tipping or just want a simpler system, this guide provides clear, practical ranges you can use in daily life.

Common tip ranges

For full‑service restaurants, a standard tip is often in the 15% to 20% range of the pre‑tax total. Many people choose 18% as a neutral baseline, increase to 20% for great service, and drop to 15% for acceptable but slower service. Use these as quick anchors rather than strict rules.

When to tip in full‑service dining

Servers in full‑service restaurants typically rely on tips as a major part of their income. Tips help cover the time spent on ordering, refilling, and managing table service. If you received table service, a tip is customary even if the meal was quick.

Quick‑service and counter service

At cafes, food counters, or fast‑casual restaurants, tipping is more discretionary. If you only placed an order and picked it up yourself, many people tip a small amount or leave no tip. If a barista makes a drink or the staff handles multiple custom items, a small tip is a kind gesture.

Delivery and ride services

Delivery drivers and rideshare drivers are typically tipped. In deliveries, tips account for time, traffic, and distance. Many people use a flat amount or a percentage. For rides, a small percentage or a few dollars is common, depending on distance and overall experience. If the weather is bad or delivery is complex, increase the tip.

Bars and coffee shops

For bars, a common practice is to tip per drink, or a percentage of the tab. Coffee shops often have small tip jars or prompts at checkout. If you’re a regular, tipping a little helps build goodwill. If you are in a hurry and the transaction is minimal, tipping is optional.

Large groups and service charges

Some restaurants add an automatic service charge or gratuity for large parties. If you see this on the receipt, you don’t need to add a full extra tip. You can still add a small additional amount if the service was great, but avoid double‑tipping by accident.

Pre‑tax vs after‑tax tipping

Most tipping guidance is based on the pre‑tax total. Taxes are set by government and do not reflect service quality, so many people tip on the amount before tax. QuickTip defaults to pre‑tax calculations for this reason. If you only have the after‑tax total, QuickTip can reverse the tax for you.

How to choose a tip quickly

Use simple anchors to speed up decisions. If the service was solid, choose 18%. If it was exceptional, choose 20% or 22%. If it was okay but slower, choose 15%. Consistency matters more than precision, and clear rules reduce anxiety.

Respect your budget

Tipping should be fair and honest, but it should also be realistic for your budget. It’s okay to adjust spending on the meal itself to allow for a standard tip. If a tip would create hardship, focus on affordability first and tip within your means.

Final takeaways