People get tattoos mainly to remember someone or something, according to a large 2023 survey of Americans, with making a statement about their beliefs and improving their appearance further behind. The numbers come from a Pew Research Center survey of 8,480 US adults in July 2023, and they also show who has tattoos, how often people regret them and how people without tattoos see those who have them. This page sets those findings out, and what they suggest if you are deciding on a tattoo of your own.
Why people get tattoos: the short answer
Among tattooed adults in Pew’s survey, 69% said honoring or remembering someone or something was a reason for getting at least one of their tattoos, 47% said making a statement about something they believe in, and 32% said improving their appearance. People could give more than one reason, so the figures add up to more than 100%.
The reasons, in more detail
To remember someone or something
Remembrance was the most common reason by a wide margin, and more so for women: 73% of tattooed women cited it, compared with 63% of tattooed men.
To make a statement about beliefs
Just under half, 47%, said a tattoo was a way of making a statement about something they believe in. That can mean faith, politics, a cause, or a personal motto.
To improve appearance
About a third, 32%, said they got at least one tattoo to improve their appearance. Tattoos chosen purely for how they look are common, but in this survey they were the least-cited of the three reasons.
Who has tattoos
About a third of adults, 32%, have at least one tattoo, and 22% have more than one. The survey found clear differences by age, gender and race and ethnicity.
| Group | Share with a tattoo |
|---|---|
| Ages 18 to 29 | 41% |
| Ages 30 to 49 | 46% |
| Ages 50 to 64 | 25% |
| Ages 65 and older | 13% |
| Women | 38% |
| Men | 27% |
| Black adults | 39% |
| Hispanic adults | 35% |
| White adults | 32% |
| Asian adults | 14% |
Women under 50 stand out: 56% of women aged 18 to 29, and 53% of women aged 30 to 49, have at least one tattoo.
How often people regret a tattoo
About a quarter of tattooed adults, 24%, said they have ever regretted getting one or more of their tattoos. Regret was more common among Hispanic tattooed adults, at 30%, than among white, 23%, or Black, 21%, tattooed adults.
That is a useful number to keep in mind if you are deciding. Our guide to choosing a tattoo covers the steps that give a design the best chance of staying wanted, starting with time. If a tattoo is already regretted, our laser tattoo removal guide covers what removal really involves.
How tattoos are seen now
Eight in ten adults told Pew that society has become more accepting of people with tattoos. Among people without tattoos, 66% said seeing someone with tattoos gives them neither a positive nor a negative impression, while 29% said it gives them a more negative than positive one.
So acceptance is broad but not universal. A visible tattoo on the hands, neck or face is still worth thinking through if you work somewhere that expects a conservative look.
What the numbers suggest if you are thinking about a tattoo
- A reason helps. Most tattooed adults tie at least one tattoo to a person, a memory or a belief. Knowing why you want one makes it easier to be sure.
- Regret is common enough to plan for. With about one in four reporting regret, time spent choosing the design, the placement and the artist is time well spent.
- Tattoos carry health considerations as well as meaning. In a separate study of 300 tattooed people in New York’s Central Park, 10.3% reported an adverse reaction to a tattoo, most often to one ink color.
- Look after it. Our first tattoo tips walk through the appointment, and our aftercare guide covers the weeks after.
The verdict on why people get tattoos
Most Americans with tattoos got at least one to honor or remember someone or something, according to Pew’s 2023 survey of 8,480 adults, with statements of belief and appearance the next most common reasons. A third of adults now have a tattoo, most of the country sees them as more accepted, and about a quarter of the tattooed have regretted one, which is the best argument for choosing carefully.
FAQ
What is the most common reason people get tattoos?
Honoring or remembering someone or something. In Pew Research Center’s 2023 survey, 69% of tattooed US adults gave that as a reason for at least one of their tattoos, ahead of making a statement about their beliefs, 47%, and improving their appearance, 32%.
What percentage of Americans have tattoos?
32% of US adults have at least one tattoo, and 22% have more than one, according to Pew’s survey of 8,480 adults conducted in July 2023.
Do more women or men have tattoos?
Women. Pew found 38% of women have at least one tattoo, compared with 27% of men, and more than half of women under 50 have one.
What age group has the most tattoos?
Adults aged 30 to 49, of whom 46% have at least one tattoo. Next are adults under 30 at 41%, then 25% of those aged 50 to 64 and 13% of those 65 and older.
How many people regret their tattoos?
About a quarter. In Pew’s survey, 24% of tattooed adults said they have ever regretted getting one or more of their tattoos.
Are tattoos more accepted now?
Most Americans think so. Eight in ten adults told Pew that society has become more accepting of people with tattoos, and 66% of people without tattoos said seeing tattoos on someone gives them neither a positive nor a negative impression.
Are there health reasons not to get a tattoo?
There are risks to weigh. Studies have found adverse reactions are not rare, and the American Academy of Dermatology advises people prone to keloids to avoid tattooing. A reputable, licensed studio and good aftercare reduce the infection risk.