Trip Expense Splitter

Common questions

How does the simplify-payments algorithm work?

After you add expenses, every person has a net balance — the amount they paid minus their share of what was consumed. The algorithm pairs the biggest creditor with the biggest debtor and settles them, then repeats. The result is the minimum practical number of transfers (at most N − 1 for N people with non-zero balances).

Why minimum transfers and not direct settle-ups?

Imagine 10 friends on a trip with 30 expenses. Settling each expense individually would mean dozens of UPI transfers — some for ₹50, some for ₹600. Simplifying first means each person sends 1-2 round transfers and the entire trip is settled. The math nets out the same; the experience is far cleaner.

Does the data leave my device?

No. This standalone calculator runs entirely in your browser. Your trip is saved to your browser's local storage so closing the tab doesn't lose it, but nothing is sent to any server. We don't even know how many trips you've calculated. The full EasySplits app (coming soon) will sync across devices for groups, with end-to-end encryption.

Can I split unevenly (different shares for different people)?

Right now this calculator splits each expense equally between selected people. To exclude someone (e.g., they had a different meal), simply uncheck them in 'Split between'. For weighted splits (3 shares vs 1 share, percentages, or exact amounts), the full EasySplits app handles all four split modes.

What if I add someone after a few expenses are already in?

They start with a zero balance and only get included in expenses you add from then on. Existing expenses are unchanged. Removing a person clears any expenses they paid for and removes them from sharer lists; if removing them empties an expense's sharer list, that expense is also removed.

Does it work offline?

Yes. After your first visit, the entire calculator is cached locally and works without internet. Trip state persists in your browser, so you can add expenses on a flight or trek and they'll be ready when you reconnect.

How do I share the settle-up with friends?

Tap 'Copy' next to the Simplified Payments heading. The list is copied as plain text — paste it into your group chat, share with each payer, and you're done.