Country Tip Rules Calculator
Compare customary tipping ranges across 18 countries – US 15–22%, Canada 15–20%, Europe 5–10%, Japan 0%. See what's normal where you are and tip with confidence.
Statutory Gratuity Rule: Under FLSA 29 U.S.C. § 203(m) and 29 CFR Part 531, tips are the absolute property of employees; employers and managers are strictly barred from retaining any portion of tip pools. Standard U.S. dining gratuity benchmarks range from 15% (standard service) to 18%–20% (good service) and 22%+ (exceptional service), calculated directly on the pre-tax subtotal.
Country Tip Rules Calculator
Customary tipping ranges by country — see what's normal where you are
15% minimum, 18–20% standard, 20–25% fine dining. Tip on the pre-tax subtotal — tax goes to the government, not your server.
Basis: Pre-tax subtotal
Suggested Tip
Local custom usually falls between $12.00 and $17.60 on this bill.
These are general customs, not legal rules, and they vary by city, venue, and situation. Always follow local practice and use your judgment. For US tipped-wage rules, see the U.S. Department of Labor.
About This Calculator
What it does
Tipping customs are local, not universal. This tool summarizes commonly-cited customary tip ranges for 18 countries—from the US (15–22%, on the pre-tax subtotal) and Canada (15–20%) to much lower European norms (5–10%) and places like Japan where tipping is generally not expected. Use it as a starting point when you travel or host international guests; always follow local practice. These are social norms, not legal rules, and they vary by city and venue.
Data sources
- National Restaurant Association
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Internal Revenue Service
- State Revenue Departments
Last updated: 2026 · Fact-checked against primary industry sources
Frequently asked questions
Which countries expect the highest tips?
The United States (15–22%) and Canada (15–20%) have the highest customary norms, calculated on the pre-tax subtotal. Many European countries expect far less (5–10%), and Japan, South Korea, and Australia generally do not expect tips at all.
Do I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount abroad?
In the US and Canada, tip on the pre-tax subtotal. In most other countries the tip is figured on the total bill, since tax is treated as part of the amount due.
Are these tipping rules legally required?
No. With rare exceptions (such as service charges that are added automatically and disclosed on the bill), tipping is a social custom, not a legal obligation. Always follow local practice and venue-specific guidance.
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