How Much Should You Tip in the USA? A Simple Guide for Visitors and Locals

Nothing causes more quiet panic at an American restaurant table than the tip line. Tip too little and you insult good service, tip blindly and a holiday budget evaporates. Here are the numbers Americans actually use.

The restaurant rules that work everywhere

15% means the service was basic, 18-20% is the normal choice for good service, and 22-25% rewards excellent service. On a $60 bill that is $9, $12 or $15. In big cities like New York and Los Angeles, 20% has become the default starting point.

Where else tipping is expected

Bartenders: $1-2 per drink or 15-20% of the tab. Food delivery: 15-20%, more in bad weather. Taxis and rideshares: 15-20%. Hotel housekeeping: $2-5 per night, left daily. Coffee shops: optional, loose change or $1 is a kind gesture, not a rule.

Splitting the bill without the awkward maths

Divide the TOTAL including tip by the number of people. A tip calculator with a split option finishes the argument in seconds and nobody underpays by accident.