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.

How much do you tip a tattoo artist?

Tip 15-25% of the total, with 20% the benchmark. Go toward 25%+ for custom designs, cover-ups, or exceptional service.

Is there a minimum tip for a small tattoo?

Yes, a $20 minimum is customary for small pieces, because the artist still sets up and dedicates time regardless of size.

Do I tip on the deposit or the full price?

Tip on the full session cost before tax, not the remaining balance after a deposit.

Home / Tipping Guides / Tattoo Artist

6 min read

How Much to Tip a Tattoo Artist

A tattoo is permanent, and so is the etiquette around tipping the artist who made it. Here's the standard range, the minimum on small pieces, and how it works for big multi-session projects.

Maya Bennett ✓

Reviewed & updated June 2026

Quick answer

Tip a tattoo artist 15–25% of the total cost, with 20% the typical benchmark. Tip toward 25%+ for custom designs, cover-ups, or long detailed sessions. For small pieces, a $20 minimum is customary. Tip on the full session cost, not the deposit balance, and cash is preferred.

Standard tip

20%

Custom / cover-up

25%+

Small piece min

$20

Photo: Lucas Lenzi / Unsplash

Tattooing is a skilled, personal service much like a salon or a restaurant — and tipping is a well-established part of the culture. The range runs a little higher than other services because so much skill and unpaid prep go into the work.

The standard: 15–25%

Tip 15–25% of the total cost, with 20% the reliable benchmark for quality work. Use the higher end for custom designs, cover-ups, or sessions where the artist went above and beyond.

Tattoo cost	20% tip	25% tip
$100	$20	$25
$300	$60	$75
$500	$100	$125
$800 (full session)	$160	$200

The small-piece minimum

For a small or cheap tattoo — say under $100 — a flat $20 minimum is customary even if that's more than 20%. The artist still sets up a sterile station, preps a stencil, and dedicates time regardless of size.

Why the higher range

A big chunk of what you pay — often 40–60% — goes to the shop for rent, supplies, and overhead, not the artist. Artists also spend unpaid hours designing custom work and prepping before you ever sit down. The tip is one of the few parts of the payment that lands directly with the person who inked you.

Multi-session and custom work

Tip after each session on big projects (sleeves, back pieces), based on that day's cost — don't wait until the whole thing is finished.
Custom designs warrant 20–25% to reflect the design time before the needle.
Cover-ups are technically harder, so 20–25%+ is standard.
Free touch-ups still deserve a $20–$40 cash tip for the artist's supplies and time.

What counts as the base

Tip on the full session cost before tax. If you paid a deposit earlier that's applied to the final price, still calculate the tip on the full total — not just the remaining balance. Cash is preferred, since it avoids card processing fees and reaches the artist directly.

The bottom line

20% is the benchmark, 15–25% the range, $20 the floor on small work, and tip per session on big pieces. Cash if you can. Quick percentage on a session total? The tip calculator sorts it.

Skip the mental math

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Open the Tip Calculator →

Frequently asked questions

Tip 15–25% of the total, with 20% the standard benchmark for good work. Go toward 25%+ for custom designs, cover-ups, or exceptional service.

Yes — a $20 minimum is customary for small or inexpensive pieces, even if it exceeds 20%, because the artist still sets up, preps a stencil, and dedicates time regardless of size.

Tip on the full session cost before tax. If your deposit is applied to the final price, calculate the tip on the full total, not the remaining balance.

Tip after each session based on that day's cost, rather than waiting until the entire piece is finished. This is standard for sleeves and large back pieces.

Yes. Even when a shop offers complimentary touch-ups, the artist uses sterile supplies and their time, so a $20–$40 cash tip is appropriate.