How much should I tip at a restaurant?

In the U.S., 15-20% of the pre-tax bill is standard for sit-down service. Tip around 18% for good service, 20% or more for excellent service, and closer to 15% if something went wrong.

Do I tip on the total with tax, or before tax?

Etiquette says tip on the pre-tax subtotal, since sales tax isn't part of the service. Many people tip on the total anyway because it's simpler - the difference is usually only a few cents, so either is fine.

How do I calculate a 20% tip quickly?

Find 10% by moving the decimal one place to the left, then double it. On a $50 bill, 10% is $5.00, so a 20% tip is $10.00. For 15%, take 10% plus half of it.

Should I tip on takeout or counter service?

It's optional. A couple of dollars or about 10% is a kind gesture, especially for large or custom orders, but it isn't expected the way it is for table service.

How much should I tip for food delivery?

Plan on 10-15% of the order, with a $3-5 minimum. Tip more in bad weather, for large orders, or when the driver carries items a long way.

Is it rude not to tip?

In the U.S., tipping is expected for many services because workers are often paid a lower base wage and rely on tips. Withholding a tip sends a strong signal; if service was poor, it's better to speak with a manager.

How does tipping work for large groups?

Restaurants frequently add an automatic gratuity of 18-20% for parties of six or more. Check the bill before adding anything extra so you don't tip twice.

Do I have to tip on DoorDash or Uber Eats?

Tipping is technically optional, but drivers see the tip before accepting and earn low base pay, so a no-tip order often arrives cold and late. 15-20% (minimum $3-$5) is the real-world standard.

How much do I tip for a small order?

Use the minimum. On a $12-$15 order, round up to a $4-$5 minimum.

Do I tip more in bad weather?

Yes. Add $2-$5 or bump to 20-25% in rain, snow, or extreme heat.

Is grocery delivery tipped differently?

Yes, tip higher. An Instacart shopper also selects and bags items, so tip 15-20% with a $5 minimum.

Home / Tipping Guides / Delivery Driver

6 min read

How Much to Tip a Delivery Driver

Your food shows up hot, your driver braved traffic and weather to bring it — but how much should land in the tip box? Here is the simple rule for DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub and pizza delivery.

Maya Bennett ✓

Reviewed & updated June 2026

Quick answer

Tip food delivery drivers 15–20% of the order, with a $3–$5 minimum — whichever is higher. Tip more in bad weather, for large orders, or long distances. On most apps your tip is set before delivery and affects how fast your order is picked up.

Standard tip

15–20%

Minimum

$3–$5

Bad weather

20%+

Photo: Kai Pilger / Unsplash

Food delivery is the one corner of tipping that has quietly become non-negotiable — and the apps have made it confusing on purpose. Here is what actually matters.

The standard: 15–20%, with a floor

For restaurant delivery through DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub, tip 15–20% of the food subtotal (before taxes and fees), with a $3–$5 minimum. On a small $15 order, 20% is only $3, so the minimum is what protects the driver — round up.

The single most important fact: on DoorDash and Uber Eats your tip is set before the driver accepts the order, and they can see the total payout. A low or zero tip means your order gets passed over and sits getting cold.

Why the tip is really a "bid"

Delivery apps pay drivers a base of roughly $2–$4 per order. Your tip is added on top, and drivers see the combined total before accepting. A generous tip is effectively a bid for faster, hotter delivery; a $0 tip order cycles through declines until the app raises the base pay — while your food waits.

Real examples

Order total	15%	20%	What to tip
$15	$2.25	$3.00	$4–$5 (use the minimum)
$35	$5.25	$7.00	$6–$7
$80	$12.00	$16.00	$12–$16

When to tip more

Rain, snow, or extreme heat — add $2–$5 or bump to 20–25%
You live far from the restaurant
Third-floor walk-up or a complex with no easy parking — add $1–$2 per floor
Large or heavy orders (cases of drinks, catering)

Pizza delivery and grocery delivery

For traditional pizza delivery, 15–20% with a $3–$5 minimum is standard. For grocery delivery like Instacart, tip higher — the shopper is also picking and bagging your order — so 15–20% with a $5 minimum, and the default 5% suggestion is too low.

App or cash?

Counterintuitively, tipping in the app is usually better than cash-only, because the in-app tip is what the driver sees before accepting. If you want to add cash on top for great service, that is a welcome bonus — but do not set $0 in the app planning to "tip cash later," because the driver has no way to know.

The bottom line

15–20%, never less than $3–$5, and more when it is cold, far, or heavy. Need the exact number on a specific order? Drop it into our free tip calculator.

Skip the mental math

Enter your bill, pick a percentage, and split it instantly.

Open the Tip Calculator →

Frequently asked questions

Tipping is technically optional, but because drivers see the tip before accepting and earn a low base pay, a no-tip order is often declined repeatedly and arrives cold and late. A 15–20% tip (minimum $3–$5) is the real-world standard.

In-app is usually better because that is the amount the driver sees before accepting your order. Cash on top for great service is a nice bonus, but never set $0 in the app intending to tip cash later — the driver can't see your intentions.

Use the minimum. On a $12–$15 order, 20% is only about $3, so round up to a $4–$5 minimum to make the trip worth the driver's gas and time.

Yes. If it's raining, snowing, or extremely hot, add $2–$5 or bump to 20–25%. The driver is out in the weather so you don't have to be.

Yes — tip higher. An Instacart shopper also selects, bags, and substitutes your items, so tip 15–20% with a $5 minimum. The app's default 5% is too low.