“how do i calculate tips in american restaurants” (1/16/08)

Speaking on behalf of servers at American restaurants, thank you for taking the time to ask.

Tips can range anywhere from 15% of the total before taxes — which is chintzy but at least won’t get the restaurant’s manager following you outside inquiring about your dining experience — to 20% of the total after taxes, which is basically the maximum amount to give without looking like you’re creepy.

In a place like New York City, which has a 8.375% sales tax, a good place to start is to double the tax and add a couple of dollars. Alternatively, you can look at your total after taxes (e.g., $100), take ten percent of that ($10) and double it ($20).

Although paying for service may seem strange when you’re used to having everything (including taxes) included in the base price, it is really an easy thing to understand when you get down to it.

Now as for tipping at a bar, it gets a little more complicated. But you didn’t ask that.