How to split a bill fairly
Splitting evenly is simplest, and it works when everyone ordered or used about the same. When that is not true, an even split quietly makes one person subsidise another, which is where awkward feelings start.
When to split evenly
Shared groceries, a group dinner where everyone had similar dishes, a household internet bill. Everyone benefits equally, so everyone pays equally.
When to use shares or percentages
Use shares when people are not equal units: a couple counts as two shares, a guest who stayed one night counts as half. Use percentages when the split is agreed in advance, such as 60/40 on a shared car.
When to use exact amounts
For restaurant bills where people ordered very different things, type what each person actually had, then add tax and tip in proportion. Enter each person's subtotal and use the percentage boxes above for tax and tip.
Why the cents matter
Dividing $100 by three gives $33.33 with one cent left over. Rounding each share down loses a cent, and rounding up charges an extra cent. This calculator gives the leftover cent to one person so the shares add up to exactly $100.00, the same way Squadly does it when it tracks expenses over time.
Need this for rent? Try the rent split calculator, or read how to split rent with roommates fairly.