How much child support will you pay or receive? The answer depends on your state, both parents’ incomes, the number of children, and your custody arrangement. Our Child Support Estimator uses your state’s actual calculation model to give you a realistic estimate.
How It Works
Every state uses one of three models to calculate child support. Select your state below and the estimator automatically applies the correct formula:
- Income Shares Model (37 states) — Both parents’ incomes are combined to determine a total child-rearing obligation. That amount is then split proportionally based on each parent’s share of the combined income.
- Percentage of Income Model (TX, WI, MS, ND, NV) — A fixed percentage of the paying parent’s gross income is applied. The percentage increases with the number of children.
- Melson Formula (DE, HI, MT) — Similar to income shares, but a self-support reserve is deducted first to ensure both parents can meet their own basic needs before the obligation is calculated.
Estimate monthly child support payments based on your state's formula. Each state uses its own calculation model — select yours below to see how support is determined.
Estimated monthly child support
Formulas last verified: May 2026. This is an estimate only. Actual court-ordered support may differ based on deductions, health insurance, childcare costs, and judicial discretion. This is general educational information, not legal advice. Consult a family law attorney for your specific situation.
Factors That Affect Child Support
While income and number of children are the primary factors, courts also consider health insurance premiums for the children, childcare costs, extraordinary medical expenses, and the specific custody arrangement. More overnight time with the non-custodial parent typically reduces the support obligation, since that parent is covering more day-to-day costs directly.
Most states also allow deviations from the guidelines when circumstances warrant it. Common reasons include a child’s special needs, significant travel costs for visitation, or substantial differences in the parents’ standards of living.
How to Use This Estimate
Enter both parents’ gross monthly income (before taxes and deductions), select the number of children, and choose the custody schedule that most closely matches your arrangement. The estimator will show you the monthly amount along with a step-by-step breakdown of how it was calculated using your state’s model.
Keep in mind this is an estimate based on the basic formula. A family law attorney in your state can account for additional factors like health insurance, childcare, and special circumstances that affect the final court order.