Restaurant Tip Calculator

How much should you tip at a restaurant?

The standard tip at a restaurant is 18–20% of the pre-tax bill. For casual dining, 15–18% is acceptable. For fine dining, 20%+ is expected. Never tip below 15% for satisfactory service.

Restaurant servers in the US earn a federal tipped minimum wage of $2.13/hour. Tips are not optional income — they are a baseline component of compensation that makes the job financially viable.

Always tip on the pre-tax subtotal. Tax is paid to the government, not the restaurant. On a $90 bill with $10 tax, tip 20% on $90 ($18), not on $100.

Factors that affect how much to tip

• Service quality: 15% for adequate service, 18–20% for good service, 22–25% for exceptional service. Consider whether issues were the server's fault or the kitchen's before reducing.
• Dining type: Fine dining expects 20%+. Casual dining 18–20%. Fast casual/counter service 10–15% or nothing. Full table service always warrants a full tip.
• Large parties: Most restaurants add automatic 18–20% gratuity for parties of 6+. Check your bill before adding more.
• Discounts and coupons: Always tip on the full pre-discount price. A $90 meal covered by a $40 coupon deserves an $18 tip (20% of $90), not $8 (20% of $40).
• Takeout: Tips are optional but appreciated — 10–15% for complex orders. No tip is socially acceptable for simple pickup.

Restaurant tipping etiquette

Tip at the end of the meal, not before. Leave cash on the table or add it to the card receipt. Cash is preferred — it reaches your server immediately.

If service was genuinely poor, speak to a manager rather than eliminating the tip entirely. A 10% tip signals dissatisfaction; zero signals you forgot or are being unfair.

For buffets, tip 10% — someone is still clearing your plates, refilling drinks, and maintaining the buffet. For open bar service at events, $1–2 per drink is standard.