Tipping in New York City is an art form — and getting it wrong can range from embarrassing to genuinely insulting. This calculator covers every service you’ll encounter in NYC, from restaurant dining to hotel bellhops to the guys who move your fifth-floor walkup furniture. Enter the bill, select the service, rate the quality, and get the exact tip amount plus NYC-specific context on what’s expected.
NYC Tipping Culture: What You Need to Know
New York City runs on tips. Restaurant servers, bartenders, delivery workers, baristas, taxi drivers, hair stylists, hotel staff, and dozens of other service workers depend on tips as a significant portion of their income. The baseline here is higher than most other cities — 20% is standard for restaurant service, not generous. 15% signals dissatisfaction. Below 15% is a statement.
The Restaurant Rules
For sit-down restaurants, 20% of the pre-tax total is the NYC standard for good service. Many restaurants automatically add 18-20% gratuity for parties of six or more — check your bill. If you’re splitting the check, make sure the tip is calculated on the full pre-split amount. The calculator handles group math so no one accidentally under-tips on a split bill.
Beyond Restaurants
The services that trip people up most in NYC are the ones without a bill to calculate from. Hotel housekeeping expects $5-10 per night, left daily (not at the end of your stay, since different people may clean your room). Bellhops get $2-5 per bag. Your barber or hairstylist expects 20-25%. Movers get $20-50 per mover for a standard apartment move — more for walkups or long-distance.
Delivery drivers — whether food delivery, grocery delivery, or package delivery during the holidays — expect 15-20% with a minimum of $3-5. In bad weather, tip more. During holidays, tip significantly more. These workers are navigating NYC traffic and stairs so you don’t have to.
