Tipping has become a regular part of dining out, whether you’re sitting down for dinner, grabbing coffee, or picking up takeout. With more businesses asking customers to tip, it’s no surprise people have strong opinions about how much is appropriate.

But are Americans actually tipping less? New data suggests tips have dipped slightly, though customers still leave close to 20% at sit-down restaurants.

According to Toast’s second-quarter 2026 report, the average tip across restaurants using its platform was 18.7%, while full-service restaurant tips fell from 19.3% in the previous quarter to 19.1%.

The change is small, but it offers a look at how Americans are tipping in 2026.

womans hand picking up tip — Image Credit: Canva

Americans Are Leaving Slightly Smaller Tips at Restaurants

At full-service restaurants, where servers serve customers at their tables, the average tip fell to 19.1% in the second quarter of 2026.

That’s down from 19.3% during the first three months of the year. It’s also back to the same level as the second quarter of 2025, when tips hit a seven-year low.

Despite the recent dip, Toast’s data shows that restaurant tipping has remained fairly consistent over the past two years, generally staying between 19.1% and 19.4%.

So while Americans are tipping slightly less than they were earlier this year, tipping habits haven’t changed dramatically.

Customers Tip Less at Counter-Service Restaurants

The difference becomes more noticeable when comparing sit-down restaurants with places where customers order at the counter.

At quick-service restaurants, the average tip was 15.8%, considerably lower than the 19.1% left at full-service restaurants. That number has remained unchanged for seven consecutive quarters.

Takeout customers leave even smaller tips. Among takeout transactions with a tip, the average was 13.8%. The difference makes sense given the service involved. Customers picking up their own food generally aren’t receiving the same attention as someone dining at a restaurant with a dedicated server.

Still, tipping screens have become common at checkout counters, leaving customers to decide whether to add something extra.

Where You Live Makes a Difference

The report also found that tipping habits vary widely by state.

Delaware had the highest overall average tip at 21.4%, followed by West Virginia at 20.7%, New Hampshire at 20.5%, and Indiana at 20.4%.

California came in last at 17.1%. Washington, D.C., averaged 17.3%, while Washington state followed at 17.6%.

These differences don’t necessarily mean diners in one state are more generous than those in another. Restaurant types, local wages, service fees, and other factors can affect tipping averages.

Is 20% Still the Standard Tip?

For years, 15% to 20% has been a familiar tipping range at sit-down restaurants. More recently, 20% has become a common reference point for good service.

Toast’s latest numbers suggest Americans still tip close to that amount, even if the average falls slightly short.

The company’s report notes that 18% to 20% remains a common guideline for table service, while customers at counter-service restaurants may leave around 15% or simply round up their bill.

Of course, tipping is generally optional unless an automatic gratuity has already been added.

What the Latest Numbers Tell Us

While tipping fatigue may be common, the data doesn’t show Americans suddenly abandoning restaurant tips. Instead, customers appear to be maintaining fairly consistent habits, leaving larger tips for sit-down service and smaller amounts for counter-service and takeout orders.

Toast’s findings are based on card and digital transactions processed through its restaurant platform. Cash tips weren’t included, so the figures don’t represent every restaurant transaction in the country.

For now, the average restaurant tip remains just under 19%, down only slightly from earlier in the year.