You’ve ordered pizza, the doorbell rings, and suddenly you have to decide: How much should you tip the delivery driver? There is no single amount that works for every situation. A fair tip can depend on the delivery distance, weather, order size, and quality of service. Rather than focusing only on the price of the pizza, consider how much time, effort, and inconvenience the delivery required.

For a typical nearby delivery with a small order, $3 to $5 can be a practical starting point when the service is satisfactory. For larger orders, longer distances, or deliveries involving several pizzas, drinks, and sides, adding more makes sense. A $75 order with multiple items, for example, could reasonably deserve a tip of $12 to $15 or more depending on the circumstances. A percentage such as 15% to 20% can also serve as a general guideline, but there is no need to calculate the tip down to the last cent.

Weather and service should also influence your decision. Delivering food during heavy rain, snow, extreme cold, or other difficult conditions can make the driver’s job significantly harder, so adding a few extra dollars can be a thoughtful gesture. At the same time, remember that delays are not always the driver’s fault. Restaurant preparation times, traffic, and navigation problems can all cause delays. If the driver is courteous and handles your order carefully, those factors should be considered before reducing the tip.

Ultimately, tipping a delivery driver is about recognizing the work involved. The driver has to travel to the restaurant, wait for the order when necessary, transport the food through traffic, and bring it safely to your door using their time and vehicle. For an ordinary nearby delivery, $3 to $5 may be reasonable; for a large, distant, or difficult delivery, consider giving more. There is no mathematically perfect tip—just consider the circumstances and choose an amount that feels fair.