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Inheritance Split Calculator

About 55% of Americans die without a will, which means state law decides who gets what. Whether there's a will or not, this calculator divides the estate after subtracting debts, funeral costs, and legal fees — then splits the remainder using equal, per stirpes, or custom percentages. Showing the math to family members prevents a lot of grief.

$46,200

Avg U.S. Inheritance

$13.99M

Estate Tax Exempt

~55%

Intestate Rate

6–12 mo

Probate Duration

By SplitGenius TeamUpdated February 2026

To divide an estate among heirs, first subtract debts and expenses from the total value. Then distribute the remainder using equal shares, custom percentages, or per stirpes (by family branch). For a $500,000 estate with $50,000 in debts split equally among 3 children: each receives $150,000. Enter your details below.

Estate Details

$
$

Funeral, legal fees, medical bills, outstanding debt

Heirs

Inheritance Split Quick Reference — Equal Distribution

Net inheritance per heir after subtracting 10% for debts and expenses from the gross estate.

Gross EstateAfter Debts (90%)2 Heirs3 Heirs4 Heirs
$200,000$180,000$90,000$60,000$45,000
$400,000$360,000$180,000$120,000$90,000
$600,000$540,000$270,000$180,000$135,000
$850,000$765,000$382,500$255,000$191,250
$1,200,000$1,080,000$540,000$360,000$270,000
$2,000,000$1,800,000$900,000$600,000$450,000

How This Calculator Works

1

Enter Your Details

Fill in amounts, people, and preferences. Takes under 30 seconds.

2

Get Fair Results

See an instant breakdown with data-driven calculations and Fairness Scores.

3

Share & Settle

Copy a shareable link to discuss results with everyone involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you split an inheritance fairly?

Equal split gives each heir the same amount regardless of relationship. Per stirpes splits by family branch (a deceased heir's share goes to their children). Custom split lets you set specific percentages based on the deceased's wishes. Our calculator handles all three methods.

What is per stirpes distribution?

Per stirpes means "by branch." If an heir predeceases the estate holder, their share passes to their own children equally. For example, if a parent leaves $300K to 3 children per stirpes and one child has passed, that child's $100K goes to their kids (the grandchildren).

Are debts subtracted before distributing inheritance?

Yes. Outstanding debts, funeral expenses, estate taxes, and administrative costs are paid first. What remains (the distributable estate) is then divided among heirs. Our calculator subtracts debts and expenses before calculating each heir's share.

Does a surviving spouse always get half?

It depends on the state and whether there's a will. In community property states, the surviving spouse typically gets at least 50% of community assets. In common law states, the share varies. Without a will (intestate), state law determines the split. Always consult an attorney for your specific situation.

How do you split inheritance without destroying your family?

Use a transparent, objective method rather than emotional negotiations. Show the math — when everyone can see exactly how the split was calculated (using a tool like this), there's less room for accusations of unfairness. Document everything and consider using a neutral mediator.

How much can you inherit without paying federal estate tax?

The 2026 federal estate tax exemption is $13.99 million per individual ($27.98 million for married couples). Estates under this threshold pay zero federal estate tax. Only about 0.1% of estates owe federal estate tax. Some states have lower exemptions: Oregon ($1M), Massachusetts ($2M), New York ($6.94M).

What happens if someone dies without a will?

State intestacy laws determine who gets what. Typically, the surviving spouse gets 50-100% depending on whether there are children. Children split the remainder equally. Without a spouse or children, assets go to parents, then siblings. This calculator models intestate distributions by state.

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Ratio Split

Divide any number by a ratio like 2:3:5 and get exact amounts. $15,000 in ratio 2:3:5 splits into $3,000, $4,500, and $7,500 — formula shown.

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Related Guide

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How to Split an Inheritance Fairly

Dividing an inheritance is both a financial and emotional process. The right approach depends on the will (if one exists), state law, family dynamics, and the types of assets involved. A transparent, math-based approach helps prevent family conflict.

3 Methods of Estate Distribution

Equal distribution divides the estate into identical shares regardless of relationship. Three heirs each get 33.3%. Simple and defensible.

Custom distribution assigns specific percentages per the deceased's wishes. A will might leave 50% to a spouse, 30% to one child, and 20% to another.

Per stirpes distribution splits by family branch. If an heir predeceased the estate holder, their share passes to their own children. A parent leaves $300K to 3 children per stirpes — if one child passed away leaving 2 grandchildren, those grandchildren split that child's $100K (getting $50K each).

Step-by-Step: $500,000 Estate With Debts

  1. Total estate value: $500,000 (house, savings, investments)
  2. Subtract debts & expenses: $30,000 (medical bills) + $10,000 (funeral) + $10,000 (legal) = $50,000
  3. Distributable estate: $500,000 − $50,000 = $450,000
  4. Divide among heirs: $450,000 ÷ 3 children = $150,000 each

Tips for Fair Division Without Family Conflict

  • Show the math. Use a calculator (like this one) so every heir sees the same numbers. Transparency prevents suspicion.
  • Get appraisals. Real estate, jewelry, art, and collectibles need professional valuations. Don't guess.
  • Consider a mediator. When emotions run high, a neutral third party can facilitate fair decisions.
  • Separate sentimental items. Let heirs discuss personal items separately from financial assets.

For splitting money by custom ratios, use our ratio calculator. For percentage-based divisions, try the percentage split calculator.