What is a Split Sheet?

A split sheet is a document used in music creation to record how the ownership of a song’s composition is divided among the songwriters who contributed to it. It outlines each writer’s percentage share of the songwriting credit and the royalties generated by the composition.

The split sheet typically includes details such as the song title, the names of all contributors, their percentage ownership, and their publishing information. These percentages determine how income from royalties—such as performance, mechanical, and synchronization royalties—is distributed among the writers.

Split sheets are usually completed soon after a song is written to avoid disputes later. By clearly documenting ownership and contributions, they help ensure that each songwriter receives proper credit and compensation when the song is registered with publishers, performing rights organizations, or licensing agencies.