Free Tool · No sign-up
Co-Founder Equity Split Calculator
Equal splits feel fair on day one and cause fights by year two. This tool weighs what each founder actually put in — capital, time, the original idea, and how much execution risk they're carrying — and turns it into a starting point for your conversation, not a verdict.
Founders
How much should each factor count?
Suggested Split
This is a starting point built from the inputs above, not a legal or financial recommendation. Most experienced founders adjust the raw number for things a calculator can't see: who's easiest to replace, who's already walked away from other income, and who the team actually trusts to make the close calls. Have the conversation early, put the number in writing, and attach it to real vesting.
Once you've settled on a split, put it in writing before it becomes a "what did we agree to again?" problem.
Generate a Founders Collaboration Agreement →Related reading
Talking Tree is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. This calculator provides general educational estimates only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice — it does not account for vesting schedules, option pools, tax treatment (including §83(b) elections), or state law. Talk to a startup attorney before finalizing any equity arrangement. Talking Tree connects founders with vetted attorneys through Find Counsel.