What Is a Split Sheet?

A split sheet is a written agreement between everyone who contributed to writing a song. It documents each contributor's name, PRO affiliation, publisher (if any), and their ownership percentage of the composition. It is the foundational document for publishing and royalty accounting.

Split sheets are critical any time more than one person contributed to a song — whether as a co-writer, producer who contributed melodies or lyrics, or featured artist who improvised lyrics. Without a signed split sheet, disputes over ownership can delay or prevent royalty payments.

Splits should be agreed upon and documented before a song is released — ideally at the time of recording. Once a song is distributed and generating royalties, retroactive split disputes are difficult to resolve and can result in withheld payments from your PRO or distributor.

A split sheet should include: the official song title, the ISRC (once assigned), each contributor's legal name, PRO affiliation, publisher name, and their agreed-upon ownership percentage. All splits must add up to 100%. Each party should sign and retain a copy.

Note: producers who only contribute beats or instrumentals without contributing melodies or lyrics may or may not have a publishing claim, depending on your agreement with them. This should be clarified in writing before you record.