Child Support Payment Calculator 🌎

Two Ways States Calculate Child Support

This calculator uses the simplest method — a flat percentage of the paying parent's income. That is how the 6 "percentage of income" states do it. But most states use a different model, so it matters which one applies to you.

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1. Percentage of Income (6 states)

A fixed percentage of the non-custodial parent's income, scaling with the number of children. Only one parent's income is used. This is exactly what the calculator above models.

Texas example (net resources): 1 child = 20%, 2 = 25%, 3 = 30%, 4 = 35%, 5 = 40%, 6+ = no less than 40%. These percentages apply to the first $9,200/month in net resources (2024 cap, adjusted periodically). Income above that cap may generate additional support only if the child has proven special needs.

Wisconsin example (gross income): 1 child = 17%, 2 = 25%, 3 = 29%, 4 = 31%, 5+ = 34%. No income cap applies.

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2. Income Shares (≈41 states + DC)

The dominant model, adopted by most states following the 1987 federal Child Support Guidelines. It works in four steps:

1. Add both parents' gross (or net, depending on the state) incomes to get a combined income figure.
2. Look up the basic child support obligation in a state-published schedule — a table that reflects what an intact two-parent household at that income level would typically spend raising the children.
3. Each parent's share of combined income determines their proportional obligation.
4. The non-custodial parent pays their share directly; the custodial parent's share is presumed to be spent in the home.

Because the custodial parent's income offsets the total obligation, the result is typically lower than a flat-percentage estimate for the same paying-parent income. The difference widens when both parents earn similar amounts.

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3. Melson Formula (Delaware, Hawaii, Montana)

An income-shares variant that adds a policy layer: before allocating support, it carves out a self-support reserve for each parent — a minimum amount each adult needs to cover basic living costs. Only income above that reserve is subject to the support calculation. This makes it the most protective of low-income parents but also the most complex to compute manually.

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How the Calculator Above Works

1. Enter the paying parent's gross monthly income.
2. Select the number of children.
3. The calculator applies a state-specific (or default) flat percentage to that figure.
4. Result = estimated monthly child support obligation.

No information about the receiving parent's income, custody split, or add-on expenses is needed — because the percentage-of-income model doesn't use them.

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What the Percentage Is Applied To: Gross vs. Net

The base differs significantly by state, and it changes the real dollar amount even at the same stated percentage:

Practical impact: A paying parent earning $6,000/month gross might have net resources of roughly $4,500–$5,000 after deductions. At 20% for one child, that is $900–$1,000/month vs. $1,200/month on gross. Always confirm which base your state uses before relying on any estimate.

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What This Calculator Does NOT Include

Real-world orders almost always add line items beyond the base obligation:

These add-ons can increase (or in the case of shared custody credits, decrease) the final order by 20–40% compared to the base figure alone.

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Common Errors to Avoid

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> This calculator provides an educational estimate only. Child support determinations are made by courts applying your state's specific guidelines. Consult a family law attorney for advice about your situation.