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.

Does the delivery fee count as the tip?

No. The restaurant's delivery fee covers overhead, not the driver. Still tip on top of it.

What's the minimum I should tip for pizza?

A $3-$5 minimum is courteous even on small orders, since the driver uses their own car and gas.

Should I tip more in bad weather?

Yes. Add a couple dollars or bump to 20%+ in rain, snow, heat, or for long distances.

Cash or app tip for pizza?

Both are fine. Cash is immediate for phone orders; in-app works for app orders. Tip when the food arrives.

Home / Tipping Guides / Pizza Delivery

4 min read

How Much to Tip Pizza Delivery

Pizza is the original delivery tip, and it still trips people up — especially that sneaky 'delivery fee' that isn't what you think. Here's the straightforward rule.

Maya Bennett ✓

Reviewed & updated June 2026

Quick answer

Tip the pizza delivery driver 15–20% of the order, with a $3–$5 minimum on smaller orders. The delivery fee charged by the restaurant is not a tip and usually doesn't go to the driver, so tip on top of it.

Standard tip

15–20%

Minimum

$3–$5

Bad weather

20%+

Photo: Kenny Eliason / Unsplash

Pizza delivery tipping is simple, but one detail catches almost everyone: the delivery fee on your receipt is not a driver tip.

The standard: 15–20%, $3–$5 minimum

Tip 15–20% of your order total, with a $3–$5 minimum for smaller orders. On a $20 two-pizza order, that's $3–$4; on a $60 party order, $9–$12.

The delivery fee is not a tip

Many pizza chains add a "delivery fee" of $3–$5. That fee goes to the restaurant, not the driver — it helps cover insurance and overhead. Your driver typically sees little or none of it, so you should still tip on top. If you're unsure, it's fair to ask the restaurant where the fee goes.

Real examples

Order	15%	20%
$20	$3	$4
$40	$6	$8
$60 (party order)	$9	$12

When to tip more

Rain, snow, or extreme heat
Long distance from the store, or a hard-to-find address
Large or heavy orders (multiple pizzas, drinks, sides)
An apartment with stairs or no easy parking

Cash or card?

For traditional phone or in-store pizza orders, cash handed to the driver is great and immediate. If you order through an app, an in-app tip works fine too. Either way, tip when the pizza arrives, not before.

The bottom line

15–20%, at least $3–$5, and remember the delivery fee isn't the tip. Quick math on a big party order? Use the tip calculator to split it out.

Skip the mental math

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

Open the Tip Calculator →

Frequently asked questions

Tip 15–20% of the order with a $3–$5 minimum. On a typical $20–$25 order that's $3–$5; for larger orders use the percentage.

No. The delivery fee charged by the restaurant goes to the store to cover overhead, not to the driver. You should still tip the driver on top of any delivery fee.

A $3–$5 minimum is courteous even on small orders, since the driver is using their own car and gas to bring it to you.

Yes. Add a couple of dollars or bump to 20%+ when the driver is out in rain, snow, or extreme heat, or driving a long distance to reach you.

Both are fine. Cash to the driver is immediate and appreciated for phone orders; an in-app tip works for app orders. Tip when the food arrives.