One of KUENTAS's most powerful features is expense splitting. You can divide each expense in whatever way works best for your situation.
Split types
KUENTAS offers four different ways to split an expense:
1. Equal shares
The expense is split evenly among all selected participants. It's the most common option and it's on by default.
2. By percentage
Assign a different percentage to each participant. Useful when someone pays more or less than the others.
3. By exact amount
Specify the exact amount each person owes. Ideal when everyone consumed something different.
4. By shares
Assign "shares" to each person (e.g. adults 1 share, kids 0.5 shares). The system calculates proportionally.
How to change the split
When creating or editing an expense:
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1
Tap "Split"
In the expense form, find the "Split" section and tap it to expand.
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2
Choose the split type
Select one of the four options: Equal, Percentage, Amount or Shares.
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3
Select participants
Choose who's included in this expense. Everyone is selected by default.
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4
Adjust the values
Depending on the type you chose, enter the percentages, amounts or shares for each person.
Automatic validation
KUENTAS checks that the sum of the split equals the total expense. If there's a difference, it warns you before saving.
Practical examples
Example 1: Group dinner
4 friends have dinner and the total is $4,000. Everyone eats the same:
- Split: Equal shares
- Result: Each person owes $1,000
Example 2: Hotel for couples
They book a hotel for $10,000. One couple has a bigger room:
- Split: By percentage
- Couple 1: 60% ($6,000)
- Couple 2: 40% ($4,000)
Example 3: Supermarket
Mixed groceries for $3,500. Each person bought different things:
- Split: By exact amount
- Juan: $1,500 (bought more)
- María: $1,200
- Pedro: $800
Example 4: Trip with kids
Excursion for $5,000. Kids pay half price:
- Split: By shares
- Adults: 1 share each
- Kids: 0.5 shares each
Exclude participants
Not everyone has to be part of every expense. For example, if someone didn't come to dinner:
- Open the "Split" section of the expense
- Uncheck the name of whoever didn't participate
- The expense will only be split among the selected people
Automatic balances
Every time you add or update an expense, KUENTAS automatically recalculates who owes whom. No manual math needed.
Payer vs Participants
It's important to understand the difference:
- Payer: The person who put up the money (paid with their card/cash)
- Participants: The people who should share the cost
The payer can be one of the participants or not. For example, if you pay for a taxi just for two other friends, you're the payer but not a participant.
Important
The payer always shows as "in credit" in the balance for the amount they paid, and participants show as "in debt" for their corresponding share.