How the trip cost calculator works
List everyone on the trip, then add each shared cost and who paid it. The calculator splits every cost equally between everyone, works out each person's net balance (what they paid minus their share), and then matches the biggest debtor with the biggest creditor until everyone is even.
A worked example
Four friends share a villa. Ana pays 1,200 for the villa, Ben pays 180 for groceries and Cem pays 60 for a taxi. The total is 1,440, so each share is 360.
| Person | Paid | Share | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ana | 1,200 | 360 | +840 |
| Ben | 180 | 360 | -180 |
| Cem | 60 | 360 | -300 |
| Dita | 0 | 360 | -360 |
Instead of everyone paying for each cost, three payments settle it: Dita pays Ana 360, Cem pays Ana 300 and Ben pays Ana 180.
When this method is not enough
Everyone is treated as part of every cost. If someone skipped a dinner or left early, split that cost only between the people who took part. For stays with uneven nights, try the uneven nights calculator.
Related guide: How to split trip costs with friends
Frequently asked questions
Does the calculator save my trip?
No. It runs in your browser and nothing is stored or sent. Copy the result before you close the page.
How are the payments chosen?
The biggest debtor pays the biggest creditor, and this repeats until every balance is zero. That keeps the list short: never more than one payment fewer than the number of people.
What if only some people shared a cost?
Add that cost to a separate calculation for those people, or use a group app that lets you choose who is in each cost.
Can I use other currencies?
Pick the currency symbol, then enter all costs in that one currency. Convert foreign receipts first.