How Much Should You Tip?
Tipping customs vary by service. Here's a general guide for the United States:
- Restaurants (sit-down) – 15-20% of the pre-tax bill, 20%+ for excellent service
- Bars – $1-2 per drink, or 15-20% of the tab
- Food delivery – 15-20% with a minimum of $3-5
- Coffee shops – $1 per drink or 15-20% for complex orders
- Hair salons / barbers – 15-20% of the service cost
- Hotels (housekeeping) – $2-5 per night
- Taxi / rideshare – 15-20% of the fare
Pre-Tax vs Post-Tax Tipping
Technically, you should tip on the pre-tax amount since the tax goes to the government, not the server. However, many people tip on the total for simplicity. The difference is usually small — on a $100 bill with 8% tax, tipping 20% pre-tax is $20 vs $21.60 post-tax.
Splitting the Bill Fairly
The simplest approach is to split evenly, but if orders vary significantly, consider asking the server for separate checks or using a bill-splitting app. Always add the tip before dividing to make sure your server isn't shortchanged.