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How to Tip Your Server at a Restaurant

Three Methods:Tipping the Right AmountMastering Tipping RulesTipping in Other CountriesCommunity Q&A

Tipping your server in a restaurant is expected, although not legally required, in the United States. There are customary amounts that you should leave for good service. In other countries, tipping rules can vary widely. It’s a good idea to let your server know if he or she has done a good job, though!

Tipping the Right Amount

  1. 1
    Tip your US server at least 15 percent. The baseline for how much you should tip your server in the United States is at least 15 percent when eating in a restaurant. However, this is generally considered the minimum. If you leave anything less than this, it’s likely the server will be very offended.
    • Be aware that tipping only the basic 15 percent is considered a statement that the service was just average or OK to some servers. Consider tipping more if you thought the service was better than average.
    • Consider tipping 20 percent if the service was good, 25 percent if the service was great, and 30 percent if the service was exceptional.[1]
    • Some people believe you should also tip $2 for each person at the table if that amount is higher than the tip percentage would be.
  2. 2
    Use math to figure out the tip. Some people struggle to figure out how much 15 percent is exactly. You can use an easy math shortcut to determine the amount you need to leave!
    • To figure out the tip, you will need to do a simple mathematical equation. Some suggest rounding the bill up to the nearest $10 before figuring out the tip on the total.[2]
    • Move the decimal point to the left on your final bill amount. That’s 10 percent. So, if your bill is $55.00, 10 percent is $5.50. To figure out 15%, take half of $5.50 and add it to the $5.50. Thus, 15 percent would be $8.25.
    • To calculate 20 percent, shift the decimal point on your bill amount to the left. Round up. For example, $35.84 would become $3.58. Remember, that’s 10 percent. Then, double the number to get 20 percent.
  3. 3
    Check whether the tip is already included. There will be some circumstances where the tip will already be factored into your bill. In those cases, you don’t need to tip again.
    • Typically, the gratuity will be 15 or 18 percent when it’s automatically included. Some restaurants have a rule that the tip is automatically included when large groups dine. It will usually say “gratuity included” on your bill or the menu in those cases.
    • This is done because if even one or two people in the group were to skimp on the tip, the server would be unlikely to make the basic amount.
    • Large groups are very time consuming for a server and more work. You should ask in advance or check the menu or restaurant website to see if the gratuity is included.

Mastering Tipping Rules

  1. 1
    Tip other restaurant staff. If your waiter or waitress is not the only person who’s served you in some way, it’s customary to tip the other servers, too.
    • For example, if you received the benefit of a wine steward, it’s customary to also tip 15 percent the cost of the bottle of wine.
    • You can tip the coatroom attendant about $1 per coat or $2 for the parking valet or garage attendant, if you’ve left your car with them while dining. You can leave a smaller tip to your restaurant server if the food is served buffet style or the server brings you drinks only, but you should still tip between 10 and 15 percent.
    • Some restaurants have washroom attendants; tip them 50 cents to $1. You might want to tip the headwaiter or captain separately also. When buying something over a counter, say morning coffee, you are generally not expected to tip.
  2. 2
    Use a tip generating app. You can download apps to your smart phone that will calculate the tip for you if you plug in the amount of your bill.
    • Most smart phones also come with a calculator, which will allow you to calculate the tip yourself, depending on the amount you decide to leave.
    • Various websites will calculate the tip for you. All you have to do is plug in the amount of your bill, and the percentage amount of the tip you want to leave.[3]
    • In some states, the sales tax is about 5 percent. If that’s the case, you could multiply the sales tax listed on your bill by three in order to get 15 percent.
    • If you used any coupons or discounts, calculate the tip based on how much you would've paid without it. Otherwise, you're punishing the waiter for the restaurant management's efforts to bring you in the door.
  3. 3
    Realize why tipping matters. Many servers absolutely rely on tips to survive. The fact they receive tips is calculated into a lower hourly wage in the first place.
    • It’s not uncommon for servers to make just over $2 an hour before they receive tips. They often make well under minimum wage. Although American states have different minimum wages, the federal minimum wage for tipped restaurant workers is just $2.13.[4]
    • Some servers also are required to share or pool their tips at the end of the night or to contribute for tips to bartenders, lowering their overall haul.
    • You are not legally required to leave a tip, however you’re being very unfair to your server if you do not do so.[5]
  4. 4
    Leave a smaller tip for very poor service. There’s no upside in being a jerk, but if you truly received awful service, you shouldn’t feel obligated to leave a full tip.
    • Try communicating with the server first, though, about what’s making you unhappy to give the server a chance to fix it. A tip to a server is meant to acknowledge good service.
    • If your server ignored you, had a bad attitude, or served your food late, it’s OK to not leave a full tip. Assess how the food matched your order, whether the food was hot and fresh, how attentive the server was, how quickly your empty dishes were removed, and whether the server was courteous.
    • You might want to explain the lack of a tip, in nice and constructive terms, on the bill when you pay the check, though. Some believe you should still give at least 10 percent even if you’ve received poor service.[6]
    • Take care to determine whether the poor service was really the server’s fault. For example, perhaps the kitchen didn’t get the food to the server on time or management understaffed the restaurant.
  5. 5
    Tell your server if the service was great. It can make a server’s day to be told you thought their service wasn’t just good but was impeccable. Why not let them know?
    • Write a little note on the bill when you pay your bill explaining what you thought the server did really well.
    • Better yet, call over the manager and tell the manager about the good job the server did.
    • Always treat your server to a smile and be kind and polite. Service jobs can be stressful enough without people taking out their bad days on the server!

Tipping in Other Countries

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    Make sure tips are accepted. In most establishments in the US, tips are not only accepted, but they are encouraged because the servers rely on them to make enough money to survive. In some other countries, tips might be considered insulting or not allowed!
    • There are some venues where tips may not be allowed. For example, some all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean may discourage tipping because a service fee is already woven into the overall vacation cost.
    • If you are attending a group gathering paid for in advance by someone else, such as a wedding reception, it’s possible that the gratuity was already paid in advance by the person who paid for the event.[7]
    • There’s no harm in leaving an extra tip in a situation like that, though, if you can afford to do so. The server will likely appreciate it.
  2. 2
    Tip sparingly in Europe. The culture around tipping in Europe is not the same as tipping in the US. Tipping is expected in the US, but in Europe it’s often not expected at all.[8]
    • Start by looking at the restaurant’s menu to see if it lists service as being included. If it’s not, you could leave between 5 and 10 percent. It would be considered a lot and unusual to tip more in some countries.
    • The difference is that servers in Europe are often better paid than they are in the US, meaning they rely on tips far less to survive, and are likely to consider the tip as a small and unexpected bonus.
    • It’s a good idea to hand the tip to the server rather than leaving it on the table. You might see a 12.5 percent optional tip on some menus in London.
  3. 3
    Tip wisely in other areas of the world. Tipping customs vary widely depending on the country you’re visiting. It’s a good idea to research the country’s practices before you embark on your trip.
    • In the Middle East, tipping will be appreciated even in small amounts. Some governments, like Dubai, mandate a 10 percent service charge to bills at restaurants. In Egypt, the tip is often included in the bill but you can add 5-10 percent above that.
    • In Israel and Jordan, the tip is usually included in the bill.
    • Canada is similar to the United States, so tip between 15 and 20 percent there.
    • In some South American countries, like Chile, a 10 percent tip is included in the bill.
    • In Mexico, cash is preferred, and the tip should generally be 10-15 percent.
    • In Australia, leave between 10 to 15 percent.
  4. 4
    Avoid tipping in most parts of Asia. Some Asian countries may frown on tipping. Check into the local customs, and make sure that tipping is not seen as an insult.
    • China has a no tipping culture, although you could leave a tip in fine hotels and restaurants that cater to foreigners.
    • In Japan, the owner might be insulted by the tip, taking it as a statement by you that they don't pay their servers well enough.
    • In some Asian countries, though, it's OK to tip. In Thailand, leave about $1 for the waiter.

Community Q&A

Add New Question
  • How much should the "additional tip" be for a restaurant bill that includes a gratuity in its charges?
    wikiHow Contributor
    If a gratuity is added to your bill, it is unnecessary to leave additional tip. If the service was exceptional, you may add an extra tip that fits with your budget.
  • Is it okay to hand the tip to the waiter?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Yes, it is, because it seems polite, and they get a chance to really appreciate you. Leaving it on the table might result in people stealing it.
  • If gratuties are included in bill, how much extra should you give?
    wikiHow Contributor
    You don't need to give more if gratuities are included in the bill. However, some people will go up to 25-30% for great service. Most gratuities are probably 15-18 percent. Ask the amount of the included gratuity, and add the different between that and the percentage you want to give.
  • If you don't really have a lot of money, but you want to leave a tip (say 10%) on a meal that cost $22, is the tip being rude? And if so, is there a way to let the server know the service was good even though the tip might not suggest it?
    The best way is to come up with a set amount you can afford to pay before you go to the restaurant. Ideally, make this more than the expected percentage, and spend little enough that you can afford to pay the full tip. 10% is not considered acceptable, and you will be resented for it, regardless of your good intentions. In U.S. restaurants, tips are not simply a 'bonus' - they are the waiters' actual wages. Restaurant owners pay employees less than the minimum wage on the grounds that they can make up the rest in tips, and tips are very much what servers rely on for their income. It's a messed up system, but it's not the employees' fault.
  • Should we still tip 20% on expensive drinks in a party of 4?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Yes. Most servers pool some of their tips with the bartenders that made their drinks. A lot of restaurants also make the servers tip out around 4% of their overall sales, to be divided between the busters, bartenders, food runners, etc. Beverages are included in the server's sales.
  • If there was an initial miscommunication about the tipping, can the customer come back and give additional tip later?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Yes, you can go back within the next day and give the tip directly to the front register, explaining what had happened. Go back with the proper tip amount, especially if you had a good experience. The staff will be so appreciative.
  • How can I increase tips?
    wikiHow Contributor
    To increase tips as a waiter, make sure to check up on your customers frequently. It may be hard if you are busy, but inform them that you are busy and they might understand. Also, make sure that, no matter how long of a day you've had, you still have a great, welcoming attitude.
  • A customer gave a 10% tip on the bill, but then gave me a handshake enclosed with a $10.00 tip. Should I take it for myself personally or put it in the tip box to be shared?
    Tell your boss about how the tip was given to you and let your boss decide. You may be allowed to keep it on top of what you get out of the tip box, but the policy may be otherwise. It's not worth risking your job if you break the rules over $10.
  • If your bill is $57 with tax, and you want to leave a 20% tip on $53, what is the total amount you should leave?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Leave the tip on the total amount of $57 because generally you should count the tax. However, if you're insistent on leaving the tip on $53, then move the decimal one place to the left, for $5.30. That's 10 percent. Now multiply that by two to get 20 percent or $10.60.
  • Do I include the taxes in the total amount for tipping?
    David Rodriguez
    No, taxes are a collection by the state not in any way related to the services. I would exclude it altogether as it has nothing to do with the product or service rendered.
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    • Tipping applies to take out orders as well, so be sure to always leave a tip.
    • "Tip jars" are becoming more common at small take-out places, (e.g., coffee, bagel, and ice cream shops). These employees spend very little time with each customer, but are usually not paid a reasonable wage by the business. Tipping a small amount in these circumstances is much appreciated.


    • The US Government taxes servers, bartenders and baristas based upon an assumption that they made a certain percentage of their sales in tips. If you do not tip a server or a bartender in the US at all, you are technically costing your server money.

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    Categories: Featured Articles | Dining Out

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    Español: calcular la propina de tu mesero, Italiano: Dare la Mancia ai Camerieri, Português: Dar Gorjeta ao Garçom em um Restaurante, Русский: давать чаевые в ресторане, Deutsch: Deinem Kellner im Restaurant ein Trinkgeld geben, Français: donner un pourboire à un serveur dans un restaurant

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