Table of Contents
Quick Answer
To split an apple fairly between two people, let one person cut it and allow the other person to choose first.
The person cutting has an incentive to make both pieces as equal as possible, while the other person can choose the piece they consider larger.
This simple example also offers an estate planning lesson: dividing assets is not only about the numbers, but also about reducing disputes and making the outcome easier for everyone to accept.
A Fair Way to Split an Apple and Its Estate Planning Lesson
How would you divide it?
One common estate planning question is how to divide assets fairly, so that everyone accepts the outcome and family disputes can be avoided.
This simple puzzle tests your thinking and can also offer a useful idea.
Most people would try to judge by sight and cut the apple into two equal halves, right?
But however careful your estimate is, the result may still not be fair.
Turn the apple into juice
Another idea is to turn the apple into juice, which makes it easier to divide equally.
That is also a good answer.
One person cuts and the other chooses
There is one more approach: let the two people decide between themselves. One person cuts, and the other chooses.
Think about it: whoever does the cutting will try to make the pieces as equal as possible, while the other person will choose the larger piece, right?
Would this make it easier for both people to accept the result without complaint?
After all, a fair outcome may not always remove every complaint, but an outcome accepted without complaint may feel fair to both sides.
A reminder for estate planning
From a financial perspective, this example relates to will and estate planning.
You may have seen or heard of relatives arguing over money until the family relationship breaks down. The original article attributes a major cause to not planning the distribution in advance.
An apple may be easy to divide, but your assets can be much harder.
Hopefully, this final approach gives you another perspective and something to think about.
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About the Author
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If you choose to arrange insurance, unit trusts or PRS through me and FA Advisory, I may receive commission from the relevant product provider. This commission is calculated separately from the financial-planning fee and does not offset or replace the planning fee. I will also explain the relevant arrangement and potential conflict of interest before implementation.
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Sources and Notes
This English article is a faithful translation of YFD's already-published Chinese post, 一颗苹果，两个人吃，你会怎么公平的分？💡 (published 12 September 2022, updated 5 July 2026). The original article cites no other external sources.
Educational Purpose
This article is for general reference only and does not constitute personalised financial or estate planning advice. Any actual distribution should reflect the family's circumstances, asset structure and applicable arrangements.
