Shared Meter Utility Split Calculator

Who this is for

One supply, one bill, several households. The calculator takes each flat's sub-meter readings, or a fixed share where there is no sub-meter, and divides the bill accordingly, with the standing charge split however you agree.

Flats, units and annexes that share a single utility supply, and the person who pays the bill and has to recover each household's part of it.

What this helps you track

• The supply, meter number, bill period and bill total
• Each flat's previous and current sub-meter readings and units used
• Each flat's share of the usage, from readings or a fixed share
• The standing charge share and amount due from each flat
• Units on the bill not covered by any sub-meter, and any amount left unallocated

How to use it

1. Copy the supply, meter number, bill period, units on the bill, bill total and standing charge from the bill.
2. Enter each flat's previous and current sub-meter readings; where a flat has no sub-meter, enter an agreed fixed share instead.
3. Enter each flat's part of the standing charge, divided however your building has agreed.
4. The units used, usage share and amount due are worked out in the browser and the workbook; on paper, work each line through in the same order.
5. Check the difference to the bill in the summary before sending anyone their amount, and tick each flat off as it pays.

Formats

• Printable PDF (A4 and US Letter)
• Fillable PDF with form fields
• Fill in online, saved in your browser
• Excel / Google Sheets workbook

The printable is laid out inside a box that fits both A4 and US Letter, so the two files are identical and neither one is scaled. The fillable PDF has real form fields. The workbook uses plain formulas only — SUM, IF, COUNTIF and the like — so it opens in Excel, LibreOffice and Google Sheets without anything breaking, and every calculated cell is grey so you can see which figures it worked out.

How to print

Download the A4 or US Letter file to match the paper in your printer, open it in a PDF reader and print at 100% — not "fit to page", which shrinks the writing space. Both files leave a 14 mm margin, which clears the unprintable edge on home printers. To print the online version with your entries in it, use the Print this sheet button, which prints only the sheet and none of the page around it. More on printing.

Questions

How is each flat's share worked out?

The bill total minus the standing charge is divided by each flat's usage share. The usage share is its units used divided by the units on the bill, or the fixed share you entered. Its standing charge share is then added on.

What if the sub-meters do not add up to the main meter?

Communal lighting, pumps or meter differences often use some units. The summary shows the gap in units and in money so you can agree how to share it, for example as a service charge item.

Can I mix sub-metered and fixed-share flats?

Yes. A fixed share on a line overrides that line's readings. Make sure the fixed shares and metered shares together cover the bill; the difference figure shows anything left over.

Does this work for water and gas?

Yes, as long as each flat's usage is in the same units as the bill. If gas readings need converting to a different unit, convert them with the figures on your bill first.