What is a split sheet?

A split sheet is a written agreement that identifies the percentage of ownership each collaborator on a song will receive (Songtrust). It is the paperwork that turns "we wrote it together" into numbers that a publisher or performing rights organisation can pay against.

What goes on one

Songtrust lists the core details: the composition's title, any songs that were sampled, and each creator's legal name, collection society and publisher or publishing administrator (Songtrust). A guide republished by Hypebot from Symphonic adds each contributor's contact details, their percentage, signatures with the date signed, and any terms on how changes will be handled (Hypebot).

The percentages should add up to exactly 100.

When to sign it

Use one any time you collaborate on a song, and fill it out and sign it once everyone agrees the song is finished (Songtrust). Songtrust notes a split sheet can cover both the recording and the publishing sides, as long as you mark which paperwork applies to which half.

Why it matters for royalties

If there is a split discrepancy, such as shares totalling more than 100%, Songtrust says royalties are withheld until it is resolved, and without a split sheet a PRO or publisher cannot confirm your ownership percentage in a conflict (Songtrust). The Symphonic guide makes the same point: PROs, labels, publishers and sync licensees will not pay out while it is unclear who the creators are (Hypebot).

What it is not

A split sheet is not a copyright or a substitute for one (Songtrust). It records an agreement between writers; registering the work with your PRO and publisher is a separate step.

What we think

Sign the split sheet in the room, not after the song gets traction. Percentages are easy to agree when a song is worth nothing and very hard once it is earning, so the cheapest moment to settle them is the end of the session. A photo of a signed page on everyone's phone beats a perfect template nobody fills in.