Frequently Asked Questions
Is this calculator free?
Yes. Completely free. No signup, no ads (for now), no data collection. I built this because I needed it and figured other people might too.
How accurate is the square footage method?
It's as accurate as your measurements. The calculator splits rent proportionally based on the numbers you enter. If your measurements are off, the split will be off. Measure twice, argue once.
What if my roommate refuses to use the calculator?
That's a red flag. If someone won't even look at numbers, they probably don't want a fair split. Have the conversation anyway. Show them the results. If they still refuse, you might need different roommates.
Does the calculator handle couples?
Yes. Set "People" to 2 for a shared room. The calculator adjusts the split so couples pay fairly — more than a single person, but not double. See the blog post on The Couple Problem for details.
Is this legally binding?
No. This is a calculator, not a contract. Use it to figure out fair numbers, then put those numbers in a written roommate agreement. The agreement is what matters legally, not the calculator.
Can I save my calculations?
The calculator saves your last 10 calculations to your browser's local storage. It never leaves your device. You can also copy the results and paste them into a text or email.
What about utilities?
Utilities are trickier than rent because they fluctuate. Most people split them evenly, but if someone has a window AC unit or works from home, consider splitting by usage. See the blog post on tracking utility bills.
Who built this?
Me. Jake. A 31-year-old UX designer in Portland who has lived with roommates for 8 years and made every mistake possible. Read more on the About page.