What a split sheet is for
A split sheet records who owns what share of a song's composition: the melody, the lyrics, and the musical parts that make it that song. Performing rights organizations like ASCAP, BMI and PRS, and any publisher, need those shares to register the song and pay royalties to the right people. Without an agreed split, the money waits while the writers argue.
In the US, co-writers of a joint work are generally treated as equal owners unless they agree otherwise. That default rarely matches who actually did what, which is why the split gets written down.
What goes on a split sheet
- Song title and date, plus the performing artist and where it was written.
- Every writer's legal name and contact email.
- Role: songwriter, composer, lyricist, producer or topliner.
- Ownership share as a percentage. All shares add up to 100%.
- PRO and IPI number for each writer, and their publisher if they have one.
- Signatures from everyone listed.
Composition vs. master
A split sheet covers the song, not the recording. Who owns the master recording, and whether the producer gets a fee or points on it, is a separate agreement. Use the producer agreement template for that part.
How to agree on splits
There is no rule everyone follows. Some rooms split evenly between everyone who was there. Others split by contribution, for example half for the music and half for the lyrics, then divided inside each half. Either works if everyone agrees and signs before the song is released.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a split sheet?
- A split sheet is a short document that lists everyone who wrote a song and the percentage of the composition each person owns. Every writer signs it, ideally before they leave the session.
- Is a split sheet legally binding?
- A split sheet signed by every writer is a written record of what they agreed, and it is usually the first document a PRO, publisher or lawyer asks to see. It does not replace a publishing or producer agreement. This template is not legal advice.
- Does the producer go on the split sheet?
- Only if they wrote part of the composition, such as the beat, chords or melody. A producer who only recorded or mixed the song is usually paid through a fee or points on the master, which belongs in a producer agreement instead.
- What is an IPI number?
- The IPI (Interested Parties Information) number is the ID your performing rights organization gives you as a songwriter. You can find it in your PRO account. It helps match royalties to the right person.
- When should we fill in a split sheet?
- At the end of the session, while everyone is still in the room. Splits are easiest to agree on the day the song is written and hardest to agree after it starts earning.