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Child Support Calculator

Estimate a monthly child support transfer using the income shares model, with childcare, insurance and parenting time factored in.

Written by Jude Ramsey · Last updated August 2026 · How these calculators are checked

How child support is worked out

Most states use the income shares model: combine both parents’ incomes, work out what a household at that income would spend on the children, then split that obligation in proportion to each parent’s income. The higher earner pays their share to the other parent.

This is an estimate, not a court calculation. Every state publishes its own support schedule and its own rules on parenting-time credits, deviations and imputed income. Adjust the obligation percentage to match your state’s schedule if you know it.

The default scenario, worked through

On the values this calculator opens with, the estimated transfer is $798.97. Underneath, Combined monthly income comes out at $7,300 and Basic support obligation at $1,825. Change any field and every figure updates as you type.

How to use it

  1. Enter each parent’s monthly net income.
  2. Set the number of children and the obligation percentage.
  3. Add childcare, health insurance and overnights with each parent.

The calculation

combined income → basic obligation → add childcare and health insurance each parent’s share = their income ÷ combined income transfer = payer’s share − what the payer already pays directly

Common questions

Is this the amount a court will order?
No. Courts apply state-specific guidelines and can deviate for many reasons. Treat this as a rough planning figure and consult a family law attorney.
What is the income shares model?
The most common approach in US states. It estimates what an intact household at the combined income level would spend on children, then divides that proportionally.
How does parenting time affect support?
In most states, once the paying parent has the children for more than roughly a third of overnights, a shared-parenting credit reduces the transfer. The exact threshold and formula vary by state.

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