Child Support Calculator by State (2026) | Toolpile

Child Support Calculator

Estimate child support payments for all 50 states and DC. Uses your state's calculation model — percentage of income, income shares, or state-specific formulas — with custody split and income adjustments.

Important Disclaimer

This is an estimate only. Actual child support may vary based on court discretion, additional factors, and your state's specific guidelines. Consult a family law attorney for accurate calculations.

State

Model: Percentage of Income

Filing Status (for tax estimation)

Your Gross Monthly Income ($)

Est. net: $4,194/mo

Other Parent's Gross Monthly Income ($)

Est. net: $2,587/mo

Number of Children

Your Parenting Time: 20% of overnights

0% (no custody)50%100% (full custody)

You are the non-custodial parent

Monthly Health Insurance for Children ($)

Monthly Childcare Costs ($)

Estimated Monthly Child Support

$839

$10,067 per year

You would pay this amount to the other parent

Percentage of IncomeTexas

20% of non-custodial parent's net resources

Calculation Breakdown

1.Non-custodial parent's net resources: $4,194/mo

2.Percentage for 1 child: 20%

3.Base support: $4,194 x 20% = $839/mo

Your Gross Monthly

$5,000

Your Est. Net Monthly

$4,194

Other Gross Monthly

$3,000

Other Est. Net Monthly

$2,587

State Comparison

State	Model	Est. Monthly	Est. Annual
Texas (selected)	Percentage of Income	$839	$10,067
California	California Formula (Algebraic)	$630	$7,565
New York	New York CSSA	$850	$10,200
Florida	Income Shares	$963	$11,551
Illinois	Income Shares	$913	$10,956
Pennsylvania	Income Shares	$932	$11,182

This calculator provides estimates based on simplified versions of state child support formulas. Actual amounts may differ significantly based on court discretion, deviations, additional income sources, extraordinary expenses, prior support obligations, and factors specific to your case. Always consult a family law attorney in your state for accurate calculations.

How This Child Support Calculator Works

This calculator estimates child support obligations based on your state's calculation model, both parents' incomes, the number of children, and your parenting time arrangement. It implements three primary calculation approaches used across the United States.

The Three Child Support Models

1. Percentage of Income Model

Used by Texas, Wisconsin, Mississippi, Alaska, Nevada, and North Dakota. This model applies a fixed percentage to the non-custodial parent's income. The percentage increases with the number of children. For example, Texas uses 20% of net resources for one child, 25% for two, and up to 40% for five or more. The custodial parent's income is not factored in.

2. Income Shares Model

Used by the majority of states (about 41). This model combines both parents' incomes and uses a schedule to determine how much the parents would typically spend on their children at that income level. Each parent then pays their proportionate share. Health insurance and childcare costs are added to the basic obligation. This calculator uses an approximation of the typical state schedules since each state's actual table has hundreds of entries.

3. State-Specific Formulas

California uses an algebraic formula (CS = K[HN - (H%)(TN)]) that directly incorporates parenting time. New York uses the Child Support Standards Act (CSSA) percentages applied to combined income up to a statutory cap. Delaware, Hawaii, and Montana use the Melson Formula, which is similar to Income Shares but includes a self-support reserve to ensure each parent can meet their own basic needs.

Why Results Are Estimates

Actual child support calculations involve state-specific lookup tables with thousands of entries, judicial discretion, and dozens of additional factors this calculator cannot account for. These include extraordinary medical expenses, prior support obligations, travel costs for visitation, tax filing details, and more. This tool provides a reasonable approximation to help you understand the likely range, but should not be used as a substitute for legal advice.

Net Income Estimation

Many states base child support on net income rather than gross. This calculator estimates net income by deducting approximate federal income tax (using 2026 brackets), state income tax (using each state's approximate rate), and FICA (Social Security at 6.2% up to the $168,600 cap plus Medicare at 1.45%). Your actual net income may differ based on pre-tax deductions, additional taxes, and other factors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is child support calculated?+

Child support calculation varies by state but generally falls into three models. Percentage of Income states (like Texas and Wisconsin) apply a fixed percentage to the non-custodial parent's income based on the number of children. Income Shares states (the majority) combine both parents' incomes, determine a basic obligation from a schedule, then split it proportionally. A few states like California use algebraic formulas that factor in parenting time. All states also consider health insurance and childcare costs.

What's the difference between income shares and percentage of income?+

Percentage of Income uses only the non-custodial parent's income and applies a flat percentage. Income Shares combines both parents' incomes to determine the total child-rearing cost, then assigns each parent their proportionate share. Income Shares is considered more equitable because it reflects what would have been spent on the children if the household were intact. About 41 states use Income Shares, while 6 use Percentage of Income.

Does custody split affect child support?+

Yes, significantly. Most states reduce child support when the non-custodial parent has substantial parenting time (typically 35% or more of overnights). The logic is that the parent spending more time with the children is directly covering more of their expenses. Some states like California build parenting time directly into their formula. A 50/50 custody arrangement usually results in a lower support obligation, though the higher-earning parent typically still pays something.

What income is included in child support calculations?+

Most states use gross income from all sources, including wages, salary, commissions, bonuses, overtime, self-employment income, investment income, rental income, retirement benefits, and disability payments. Some states then deduct taxes and mandatory expenses to arrive at net income. Income that is typically excluded includes means-tested public assistance (like TANF or SSI) and income of new spouses.

Can child support be modified?+

Yes, child support orders can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances. Common reasons include a significant increase or decrease in either parent's income (usually 15-20% or more), a change in custody or parenting time, a change in the child's needs (medical, educational), or the child aging out. Either parent can file a motion to modify, and some states allow administrative review every few years.

What happens if a parent is unemployed?+

Courts can impute income to a voluntarily unemployed or underemployed parent. This means the court assigns an income the parent could reasonably earn based on their education, skills, work history, and job opportunities in their area. If unemployment is involuntary and the parent is actively seeking work, the court may use actual income or unemployment benefits. Simply quitting a job to reduce child support is not typically an effective strategy.

How long does child support last?+

In most states, child support continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever comes later. Some states extend to age 19 or 21. New York can order support until 21. A few states allow support to continue through college. Support can also end earlier if the child becomes emancipated, joins the military, or gets married. Children with disabilities may receive support indefinitely.

Is child support tax-deductible?+

No. Child support has never been tax-deductible for the payer or taxable income for the recipient. This is different from alimony, which was deductible for agreements made before 2019 but lost its deduction under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The parent who claims the child as a dependent gets the child tax credit, which is typically the custodial parent unless the parents agree otherwise using IRS Form 8332.