Quick answer
For most personal services in the U.S. — table service at restaurants, hair and nail salons, rideshare, and food delivery — 15% to 20% is the commonly used range, with 20% typical for good service. For counter service and takeout, tipping is generally optional.
Common tip amounts by service
| Service | Common tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurant | 15%–20% | 18%–20% for good service; more for exceptional service |
| Bartender | $1–$2 per drink or 15%–20% of the tab | Tip per round when paying as you go |
| Buffet | About 10% | Staff still clear plates and refill drinks |
| Takeout / counter service | Optional, 0%–10% | A dollar or rounding up is a common gesture |
| Coffee shop | Optional | Small tips for complicated orders are appreciated |
| Food delivery (DoorDash, Uber Eats) | 15%–20%, often at least $3–$5 | Tip more for bad weather, long distances, or large orders |
| Grocery delivery | 10%–20%, often at least $5 | Heavier or larger orders often get more |
| Rideshare / taxi | 15%–20% | Add a little for help with luggage |
| Hair stylist / barber | 15%–20% | Tip assistants who wash or style separately if you can |
| Nail salon | 15%–20% | Based on the pre-discount service price |
| Massage / spa | 15%–20% | Check whether a service charge is already included |
| Tattoo artist | 15%–20% | Many people tip more for long custom work |
| Pet groomer | 15%–20% | Extra for difficult grooms |
| Movers | About $20–$60 per mover | Depends on job length and difficulty; water or snacks are appreciated |
| Hotel housekeeping | $2–$5 per night | Leave daily with a note, since staff can change |
| Valet parking | $2–$5 | Usually when your car is returned |
| Furniture or appliance delivery | $5–$20 per person | More for stairs or heavy items |
Before or after tax?
Etiquette guides commonly say it is fine to tip on the pre-tax amount. Many people tip on the final total because it is simpler. On most bills, the difference is under a dollar or two.
What about tip screens?
Payment screens now suggest tips at counters, kiosks, and self-service shops. When no personal service was provided, choosing “no tip” or a custom amount is generally considered acceptable. For table service, delivery, and personal care, tipping remains expected in the U.S.
Service charges and automatic gratuity
Some restaurants add an automatic gratuity for large parties or a service charge to every bill. Read the receipt: if a gratuity is already included, an additional tip is optional. A “service charge” is not always passed to the server; ask if you are unsure.
Holiday tipping (December)
Many households give a year-end thank-you to regular service providers — often the cost of one service (one haircut, one week of child care) or a small gift. For U.S. Postal Service carriers, USPS rules allow gifts worth up to $20 per occasion but not cash or cash equivalents such as gift cards that can be used like cash.
How to calculate a tip fast
- 10%: move the decimal one place left ($48.00 → $4.80).
- 20%: double the 10% amount ($9.60).
- 15%: 10% plus half of 10% ($4.80 + $2.40 = $7.20).
- 18%: 20% minus 2% (about $9.60 − $0.96 = $8.64).
Questions
How much should you tip at a restaurant in 2026?
For table service, 15% to 20% is the common range, with 18% to 20% typical for good service.
Do you tip on takeout?
Tipping on takeout is generally optional. Some people leave 5% to 10% or round up, especially for large or complicated orders.
How much do you tip a DoorDash or Uber Eats driver?
A common guideline is 15% to 20% of the order, with a minimum of a few dollars. Tip more for long drives, large orders, or bad weather.
How much should I tip movers?
A common range is about $20 to $60 per mover depending on how long and difficult the move is.