List each line from the receipt, assign it to whoever ordered it, split shared items between the people who shared them, then add each person's share of tax and tip. A scanning app reads the lines for you, and claim links let friends do the assigning.
Step by step
- Get every line item. Photograph the receipt. If you do it by hand, copy each item and price.
- Assign each item. Tag the person who ordered it. For shared items, tag everyone who shared.
- Add subtotals. Each person's items add up to their subtotal.
- Share tax and tip. Apply the same proportion as their subtotal.
- Settle with the payer. Everyone sends their total to whoever paid.
| Ana: Margherita | $15.00 |
| Ben: Carbonara | $16.00 |
| Chloe: Tiramisu + wine | $32.00 |
| You: Garlic bread | $7.00 |
| Friends owe you | $63.00 |
Shared items
A pizza shared by three costs a third each. A bottle of wine shared by two costs half each. The key is deciding who shared before you assign, not after.
Discounts, service charges and rounding
Treat discounts and service charges like tax: spread them in proportion to each person's subtotal. When the maths does not divide to the cent, one person absorbs the extra cent. A good app handles this so totals always match the receipt.
How scanning and claim links change it
The slow parts are steps 1 and 2. With Slyce, you scan the receipt and the items are read for you. Then share a claim link: friends tap the items they had from their own phone, with no account. You review, confirm, and everyone sees what they owe. Together at the table? Live mode does the same in real time.
Scanning is part of the free plan, so you do not have to pay to avoid typing a long receipt.
When scanning gets it wrong
Crumpled, faded or glossy receipts can confuse any scanner. Always check the items against the paper before sharing, and fix any line by hand. A scanned bill you have reviewed is just as reliable as one you typed.
Frequently asked questions
Can I split a receipt without everyone downloading an app?
Yes. Slyce lets you share a bill by link or QR. Friends can claim items and see their share without installing the app or creating an account.
What if two people ordered the same dish?
Treat them as two items, or set the quantity and assign each to the right person.