Set Up Your Rent
Split Methods
Choose a method or compare all three in the results. Each method is fair in a different scenario.
How it works: Divide the rent equally among all roommates. $3,000 ÷ 4 = $750 each.
Best for: Equal rooms, roommates who want simplicity, or as a starting point.
How it works: Divide rent by the total square footage of private spaces (bedrooms, private bathrooms, balconies). Each person pays their share of the total sqft.
| Person | Sqft | % of Total | Their Rent Share |
|---|
Best for: Rooms of different sizes or extra private amenities.
How it works: Combine square footage with amenities (private bathroom, window, balcony). Adjust the weight of each amenity with the sliders below.
| Person | Sqft | Weight | % of Total | Their Rent Share |
|---|
Best for: Acknowledging that some rooms have premium features.
Utilities (Optional)
Each utility can be split evenly or by the same method as rent (square footage / weighted). Uncheck any utility you don't have.
- Your rent share
- Your utilities share
- Total monthly
- $0
- vs. even split
- $0
Everyone's Share
| Person | Rent Share | Utilities | Total/Month | vs. Even |
|---|
How to Use This Calculator
Step 1: Enter your total monthly rent and select how many roommates you have.
Step 2: For each person, fill in their name, bedroom square footage (if you're using that method), whether they have a private bathroom, and any extras like a balcony.
Step 3: Pick a split method (Even, Square Footage, or Weighted). The calculator will show you each person's share and highlight who pays more or less than an even split.
Step 4: Add utilities if you want to split them too. You can split each utility evenly or by the same method as rent.
Step 5: Print the summary or copy the text to share with your roommates. Then create a roommate agreement and have everyone sign it.
Prorating a Partial First Month
If you're moving in mid-month, you'll pay a prorated share of the rent for just the days you occupy the space. There are two common methods:
- Days-in-month method: (Monthly Rent ÷ Days in That Month) × Days You Occupy. If the rent is $3,000 and you move in on the 15th of a 30-day month, you'd pay ($3,000 ÷ 30) × 16 = $1,600.
- Banker's month (30-day) method: (Monthly Rent ÷ 30) × Days You Occupy. Same scenario: ($3,000 ÷ 30) × 16 = $1,600. Many states, including California, require this method.
Which method applies? Your lease governs. Check with your landlord or housing office to confirm before moving in. Then apply the same proration to utilities if you're splitting those.
About Security Deposits
Don't confuse the security deposit with rent. The deposit is held by the landlord as insurance against damage or unpaid rent and is returned at the end of the lease (minus any deductions). It should be split the same way as rent: if you're paying 30% of rent, you pay 30% of the deposit.
Many states require the landlord to place your deposit in an interest-bearing account and return the interest to you. Keep records of the original deposit amount and your share in case there's a dispute at move-out.
Put It in Writing
A split-rent agreement won't change your legal responsibility to the landlord (you're still jointly liable for the full rent), but it will protect you from roommate disputes and help people remember who owes what. Create a roommate agreement, include this calculator's results, and have everyone sign a copy.
FAQ
How do I choose the right split method?
Even split works when all roommates want simplicity. Square footage is best when rooms vary in size. Weighted lets you account for extra amenities like private bathrooms or balconies. All three methods ensure the shares add up exactly to the rent. Try all three tabs above and see what feels fairest to your group.
What is prorated rent?
Prorated rent is when you pay rent for only part of a month, for example, moving in mid-month. The two common methods are: divide the monthly rent by the days in that month and multiply by days occupied, or use a 30-day banker's month. Your lease governs which method the landlord uses. See the "Prorating a Partial First Month" section above for examples.
Are my roommates and I each responsible for only our share?
Not legally. If you sign a joint lease, you and each roommate are typically jointly and severally liable for the entire rent. That means the landlord can ask any one of you for the full amount if others don't pay. Your private roommate agreement about splitting doesn't change this liability. It's a side agreement between you and them. If a roommate doesn't pay their share and you cover it, you can pursue them in small claims court to recover the amount.
What if the shares don't divide evenly?
The calculator rounds each share to the nearest cent and adjusts the largest share to absorb any leftover pennies, so the total always equals the rent exactly. This happens rarely with modern rent amounts, but when it does, it's called a penny adjustment and is noted on the result. Everyone else sees the rounded amount; the person with the largest share may pay a penny or two more.
Can I save my calculation?
Yes, the calculator saves your inputs to your browser's local storage automatically. The data stays on your device and is never sent anywhere. Clearing your browser data or switching devices will clear the saved calculation. Use the Print or Copy buttons to save a record outside your browser.
Should I put the split agreement in writing?
Absolutely. A written roommate agreement helps prevent disputes about who pays what, even though it doesn't change your legal liability to the landlord. Use this calculator to get the numbers, then write or print the agreement so everyone has a copy. Many universities provide templates, and there are online generators that can help.