In the U.S., a tip of 15% of the before tax meal price is typically expected.

For a $50 meal in the United States, a standard 20% tip is $10.00, which is considered the "gold standard" for good service in 2026. If the service was exceptional or you are dining at a high-end establishment, a 25% tip ($12.50) is a generous way to show appreciation. Conversely, for adequate but unremarkable service, an 18% tip ($9.00) is generally the minimum expected. It is worth noting that tipping customs vary globally; in many European countries, a service charge is already included, and a "tip" might just be rounding up to the nearest €5 or €10. However, in the U.S. hospitality industry, where many servers rely on tips for their base income, sticking to the 20% rule is the best way to ensure you are being a fair and respectful diner. Always check your receipt first to see if a "service charge" or "automatic gratuity" has already been added, especially for larger groups, to avoid accidentally tipping twice.