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How much to tip a waiter?
Tip a waiter 18% of the bill
Typical range 15%–20% before tax.
Typical range 15%–20% before tax.
Tip calculator
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In the US, restaurant servers earn a low base wage and rely on tips, so a fair percentage is really part of the bill.
What 18% looks like
| Bill | Tip (18%) | Total |
|---|---|---|
| $20.00 | $3.60 | $23.60 |
| $50.00 | $9.00 | $59.00 |
| $100.00 | $18.00 | $118.00 |
| $150.00 | $27.00 | $177.00 |
When to tip more or less
- Tip more for exceptional service, special requests, holidays, or large/complex jobs.
- Tip standard for normal, friendly, on-time service.
- Tip less only for genuinely poor service — and consider speaking up first.
FAQ
What is a normal tip for a waiter?
15-20% of the pre-tax bill is standard, with 18% a safe default for good service.
Do I tip on the pre-tax total?
Tipping on the pre-tax amount is perfectly fine, though many people just tip on the final total.