Restaurant Tip Calculator
Calculate table-service restaurant tips, pre-tax subtotals, and group splits in seconds.
How much should you tip at a restaurant in the US?
For full-service sit-down restaurants in the US, 18% to 20% of the pre-tax bill is standard. Leave 10% for buffets with beverage service and 0%–10% for counter pickup or takeout.
Restaurant Tipping Guidelines
- Full Sit-Down Table Service: 18% – 20% of pre-tax bill
- Buffet / Family Style: 10% – 15% for table clearing & drinks
- Counter Service / Takeout: 0% – 10% (optional for large orders)
Sit-Down Dining vs. Counter Service
Full-service servers rely heavily on tips as part of their hourly compensation. For counter-service cafes or takeout pickup, tipping is optional—though $1–$2 or 10% is appreciated for complicated, custom-packed group takeout orders.
Check for Automatic Gratuity on Parties of 6+
Many US restaurants add an automatic 18% or 20% service charge for large parties. Always inspect the receipt before adding a second tip.
FAQ
Should you tip on the pre-tax or post-tax restaurant bill?
Standard etiquette is to tip on the pre-tax subtotal. You can toggle Tax Settings to Before Tax or After Tax in the calculator.
How much do you tip at a buffet?
10% is standard when staff clear plates and refill drinks; 15% if servers also bring made-to-order dishes.
Do you tip on takeout orders?
Takeout tipping is optional. For simple pickups $0 or $1–$2 is fine; for large catering or carefully packed family orders, 10% is thoughtful.
What if service was genuinely poor?
If food was delayed due to the kitchen, try not to penalize the server. If table service itself was neglectful, speak calmly with a manager and leave 10%–15% rather than zeroing out unless extreme.
Updated November 2026. Visit Tip Calculator on tipcalc.cc.