Guideline Estimates · All 50 States + DC

Child Support Calculator 2026

Every state calculates differently. Enter two incomes and see the real guideline number — with parenting-time credit, add-ons, and the math shown step by step.

Your State

Income Shares CA uses an algebraic formula. Parenting time heavily weighted.

Parents

Parent 1 — gross income

Parent 2 — gross income

Who pays support?

Children & Parenting Time

Number of children

Parenting time (payer) 20%

Over 20% unlocks a parenting-time credit in most states — the slider moves the number fast.

Add-On Expenses monthly, split by income share

Childcare

Health insurance for the child

Extraordinary expenses (special needs, private school)

Estimated child support

$1,310 / month

≈ $15,723 per year · Income Shares in California

The math, step by step

Combined monthly income$9,500

Guideline obligation (payer's share)$1,080

Parenting-time credit−$54

Childcare share$189

Health insurance share$95

Extraordinary share$0

Monthly payment$1,310

Income shares

Parent 163.2%

Parent 236.8%

What if we share custody more?

Same incomes, same kids — only parenting time changes.

20% time

$1,310

standard visitation

40% time

$1,094

extended parenting

50% time

$932

equal custody

Educational estimate only — not legal advice. Courts deviate for healthcare, education, and each family's circumstances. Modification usually needs a 20% income change in your state. Consult a licensed family law attorney.

Child Support Calculators by State

Three different calculation models, 51 rulebooks. Open your state for its model, percentages, and modification threshold.

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming District of Columbia

How Child Support Works in California

Income Shares state. Both parents' incomes are combined, the guideline cost of raising the children is looked up, and each parent pays their income share. CA uses an algebraic formula. Parenting time heavily weighted.

Modifying an order: California generally requires a 20% change in income before the court will reopen the number, though changes in parenting time or the child's needs can also justify review.

Support usually ends when the child turns 18 or graduates high school — check your county's practice, and remember that courts can extend support for a child with disabilities.

The Three Models, Side by Side

Which one applies to you depends entirely on your state.

Income Shares

38 states

Both parents' incomes are combined, the guideline cost of raising the children is looked up, and each parent pays their income share.

Percentage of Income

10 states

The non-custodial parent pays a fixed percentage of their own income — set by number of children.

Melson Formula

3 states

Income Shares, but each parent keeps a self-support reserve for their own basic needs before the split.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is child support calculated?

Most states (40) use the Income Shares model: both parents' incomes are combined, the guideline cost of raising the children is looked up in a schedule, and the non-custodial parent pays their percentage of that total. Eight states plus DC use a flat Percentage of Income, and three states (Delaware, Hawaii, Montana) use the Melson Formula, which protects each parent's own minimum living costs first.

Does parenting time reduce child support?

Yes, in most states. Once the paying parent has the children 20% of the time or more, courts apply a parenting-time credit — this calculator models it: 20% earns a small credit, 40% a substantial one, and 50/50 custody typically cuts the guideline obligation by about 40%.

What are add-on expenses?

Childcare, health-insurance premiums for the child, and extraordinary expenses (special needs, private school) are usually split between parents in proportion to income, on top of the base obligation.

Can this estimate be wrong?

It is a guideline estimate. Real orders deviate for healthcare costs, education, standard of living, and judicial discretion. Treat it as a starting point for negotiation or attorney consultation, not a court prediction.

When does child support end?

Usually at the child's 18th birthday or high-school graduation (whichever is later), varying by state; some states extend to 19 or 21, or for disabled children indefinitely.

How do I modify a support order?

Most states require a substantial change of circumstances — commonly a 10-25% income change (state-specific thresholds are shown on every state page here), or a change in custody or the child's needs.

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Take it to the negotiating table

The Child Support Calculator US app adds saved scenarios, side-by-side custody comparisons, payment history, and works fully offline — nothing leaves your phone.

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