How much should you tip?
Tipping norms differ so sharply that the same gesture reads as generous in one country and insulting in another.
North American norm
15 % — closest reference: Canada at 17 %.
Reference figures are measurements and are rounded; the unit conversion behind them is exact.
| Reference | Size | Yours ÷ theirs | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | 0.5 % | 30× | Tipping is not customary and can cause confusion |
| most of Europe | 7 % | 2.14× | Round up, or 5–10% |
| United Kingdom | 12.5 % | 1.2× | Often added as a service charge |
| Canada | 17 % | 0.882× | |
| United States | 20 % | 0.75× | Restaurant service, before tax |
Worth knowing
- US restaurant tipping has drifted from 10% in the 1950s to 15% by the 1980s and 20% today, largely through default prompts on card terminals.
- In Japan, leaving money on the table is likely to have someone chase you down the street to return it.
Frequently asked
How much should I tip in the US?
18–20% of the pre-tax bill for table service is the current norm; 15% now reads as mild disapproval. Servers in most states are paid a sub-minimum wage on the assumption of tips.
Do I tip when service is included?
No. If a service charge appears on the bill, that is the tip. Adding another on top is entirely optional and unusual outside North America.