How to Split Music Royalties: Fair Agreements for Collaborators

Splitting royalties fairly is crucial for maintaining good relationships and avoiding legal disputes. This guide covers industry standards and best practices.

Types of Splits

Songwriting/Publishing Splits

For the composition (lyrics and melody):

Split among co-writers

Typically equal shares or by contribution

100% total to divide

Master Recording Splits

For the actual recording:

Artist(s), producer, label

"Points" system common (1 point = 1%)

Producer typically gets 3-5 points

Industry Standard Splits

Co-Writers

Equal split - Most common, avoids arguments

Proportional - Based on contribution

Lyrics vs music - Sometimes split 50/50

Producers

3-5 points - Standard producer royalty

Plus upfront fee - Work-for-hire component

Backend only - Lower or no fee, higher points

Featured Artists

15-25% - Of master royalties for their portion

Depends on star power - Major features command more

Use our [Advanced Calculator](/calculators/advanced) to model different split scenarios.

Try the Calculator

Put this knowledge into practice with our free online tool.

Open Calculator

Splitting royalties fairly is crucial for maintaining good relationships and avoiding legal disputes. This guide covers industry standards and best practices.

Types of Splits

Songwriting/Publishing Splits

For the composition (lyrics and melody):

Split among co-writers

Typically equal shares or by contribution

100% total to divide

Master Recording Splits

For the actual recording:

Artist(s), producer, label

"Points" system common (1 point = 1%)

Producer typically gets 3-5 points

Industry Standard Splits

Co-Writers

Equal split - Most common, avoids arguments

Proportional - Based on contribution

Lyrics vs music - Sometimes split 50/50

Producers

3-5 points - Standard producer royalty

Plus upfront fee - Work-for-hire component

Backend only - Lower or no fee, higher points

Featured Artists

15-25% - Of master royalties for their portion

Depends on star power - Major features command more

Use our [Advanced Calculator](/calculators/advanced) to model different split scenarios.

Try the Calculator

Put this knowledge into practice with our free online tool.

Open Calculator

How to Split Music Royalties: Fair Agreements for Collaborators

Types of Splits

Songwriting/Publishing Splits

Master Recording Splits

Industry Standard Splits

Co-Writers

Producers

Featured Artists

Try the Calculator

Tags

Related Calculators

How to Split Music Royalties: Fair Agreements for Collaborators

Types of Splits

Songwriting/Publishing Splits

Master Recording Splits

Industry Standard Splits

Co-Writers

Producers

Featured Artists

Try the Calculator

Tags

Related Calculators