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June 2, 2026 · 5 min read

How to Split a Bill Fairly (5 Ways That Actually Work)

Splitting equally is not always fair. Here are five ways to split a bill, and when each one is the right call.

EconoGlanceGuide
Key takeaways
  • Equal is fine for drinks and taxis, not for lopsided orders.
  • Exact amounts and itemized splits are fairest at restaurants.
  • Percentage and shares suit couples and uneven households.
  • An app does the maths, so nobody argues over the receipt.
On this page
  1. 011. Equally
  2. 022. By exact amounts
  3. 033. By percentage
  4. 044. By shares
  5. 055. By item
  6. 06Which method to use, at a glance
  7. 07Let the app do the math

"Let us just split it evenly" is easy. It is not always fair, not when one person had the steak and three had salads.

Here are five ways to split a bill, and when to reach for each. Try the free <a href="/resources/split-calculator">bill split calculator</a> as you read.

1. Equally

This is the equal split. Include or exclude anyone with a tap.

2. By exact amounts

This is the fairest option for a lopsided restaurant bill. It is the exact amount split.

3. By percentage

See the percentage split for how the maths works.

4. By shares

Assign shares and the app divides in proportion. This is the share split.

5. By item

The receipt scanner turns a photo into an itemized split in seconds.

Which method to use, at a glance

SituationMethod
Drinks or a taxiEqual
Lopsided restaurant billExact or by item
Couple with different incomesPercentage
Uneven householdShares
Big group dinnerBy item

Let the app do the math

Split any bill, any way, and always know who owes who. It is free to start. Read next: splitting a group trip.

Frequently asked questions

What is the fairest way to split a bill?

For even orders, split equally. For lopsided orders, split by exact amounts or by item so each person pays for what they had. An app does the maths instantly.

How do you split a bill with a tip?

Add the tip to the total, then split the whole amount by your chosen method. The bill split calculator handles the tip for you.

What app splits a bill five ways?

EconoGlance splits any bill equally, by exact amount, by percentage, by shares or by item, across any number of people, and shows who owes who instantly.

Free to start

Split your next bill in seconds.

Scan a receipt, split any bill, and always know who owes who. Available on iOS and Android, with no ads.

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★ 4.9 rating•12,000+ splitters•No ads, ever