Child Support Calculator

Paying child support is a big step for someone, depending on how much money they earn in their respective state or province. Find out how much you have to pay or are entitled to when you’re going through a divorce or marriage breakup. Use our calculator to get an estimate based on your income, the number of children you have, and whether you have sole or shared custody.

How to Use the Child Support Calculator

Our Child Support Calculator was made to give you an estimated monthly child support amount based on the latest state and provincial guidelines and laws. Whether you’re in Canada or the United States, the calculator follows income-based formulas used in each jurisdiction.

Follow the steps below to calculate your child support obligations:

1. Select Your Country

The first step is to choose your country:

• If you are in the United States, the calculator will use state-specific child support formulas (Income Shares or Percentage of Income models).
• If you are in Canada, the calculator follows Federal or Provincial guidelines to determine the amount.

Example:
Sarah and Mark are divorced in Alberta, Canada. Sarah earns $80,000 per year, while Mark earns $40,000 per year. Since Alberta follows Federal Child Support Guidelines, the amount is calculated based on both incomes and the number of children.

2. Choose Your State or Province

Each state and province has its own method for calculating child support. The calculator automatically adjusts the formula based on the region you select.

Example:
In Texas (USA), child support follows a Percentage of Income Model:

• 20% of the non-custodial parent’s net income for one child
• 25% for two children
• 30% for three children, and so on.

If John lives in Texas and earns $5,000 per month, he would pay $1,000 per month (20%) for one child.

In contrast, if Emily is in Ontario (Canada), the calculator uses the Federal Guidelines and accounts for both parents’ incomes.

3. Enter Parent Incomes

• Parent 1 Income: Enter the annual gross income of the higher-earning parent.
• Parent 2 Income: Enter the annual gross income of the lower-earning parent.
• If a parent has $0 income (e.g., unemployed), the calculator adjusts based on minimum child support requirements.

Example:
David earns $90,000 per year, while his ex-wife Lisa earns $50,000 per year. They have two children and live in California. Since California follows the Income Shares Model, the calculator combines both incomes and applies the state formula to determine child support.

4. Select the Number of Children

The child support amount varies based on how many children are involved.

• More children typically result in higher child support payments.
• Some states and provinces provide discounted rates for multiple children.

Example:

• Mike (Georgia) earns $70,000 per year and has one child → He pays 20% of income ($1,167 per month).
• Jessica (New York) earns $90,000 per year and has two children → She pays 25% of income ($1,875 per month).

5. Choose the Custody Arrangement

• Sole Custody: One parent has primary custody, and the other pays child support.
• Joint Custody: Both parents share custody, and the child support amount is adjusted accordingly.

Example:

• If Ryan (North Carolina) has sole custody, his ex-wife pays full child support.
• If they share joint custody, the amount is reduced by 25% since the child spends equal time with both parents.

6. Enter Additional Expenses (Optional)

Some child support calculations allow additional expenses, such as:

• Daycare or babysitting costs
• Health insurance or medical expenses
• School tuition or extracurricular activities

Example:
Samantha and Jason live in Florida and share two children. Samantha earns $80,000 per year, while Jason earns $50,000 per year. Since Florida follows the Income Shares Model, their combined income determines the child support amount.

However, if Samantha pays $500 per month for daycare, the calculator adds this cost to the child support calculation.

7. Click “Calculate” and View the Results

Once all fields are filled, click the “Calculate” button. The calculator will show:

• Which parent is paying child support
• The exact monthly amount due
• Which parent is receiving the support
• Total estimated child support based on legal guidelines

Example:

• If James (Texas) earns $6,000 per month and has two kids, he would owe $1,500 per month (25% of his income).
• If Sophia (Ontario) earns $75,000 per year and has one child, she pays $690 per month based on Federal Guidelines.

If you’re unsure about your exact child support obligations, consult with a family lawyer or refer to your state/provincial government website.

This calculator was created to give parents a quick idea of their expected child support payments, helping with financial planning and legal discussions.

How is Child Support Calculated by State and Province?

Child support laws vary across the United States and Canada, with each state and province using different calculation models. This guide outlines the exact formulas and percentages used in each location, along with examples to help parents understand how child support is calculated.

United States Child Support Guidelines

Each U.S. state follows one of three child support calculation models:

• Income Shares Model – Based on both parents’ combined income.
• Percentage of Income Model – Based on a percentage of the non-custodial parent’s income.
• Melson Formula – A more detailed version of the income shares model, used in only one state.

Alabama

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If Parent 1 earns $50,000 annually and Parent 2 earns $30,000, their combined income is $80,000.

• For one child, Alabama’s guidelines might set the total child support obligation at $12,000 per year.
• Parent 1 pays: $7,500 per year ($625 per month).
• Parent 2 pays: $4,500 per year ($375 per month).

Alaska

Model Used: Percentage of Income Model

Guideline Percentages:

• 20% of the non-custodial parent’s income for one child
• 27% for two children
• 33% for three children
• 3% more per additional child

Example: A non-custodial parent earning $60,000 per year with two children:

• $60,000 × 27% = $16,200 annually ($1,350 per month).

Arizona

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If both parents earn a combined $10,000 per month with two children:

• Total child support obligation: $1,500 per month
• Parent 1 (earns 70%) pays: $1,050 per month
• Parent 2 (earns 30%) pays: $450 per month

Arkansas

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If a combined income is $5,000 per month with one child, Arkansas guidelines might set:

• Total obligation: $800 per month
• Parent 1 (55% income share) pays: $440 per month
• Parent 2 (45% income share) pays: $360 per month

California

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If Parent 1 earns $6,000 per month and Parent 2 earns $4,000 per month (total $10,000), and they have two children:

• Total child support obligation: $1,800 per month
• Parent 1 (60% of income) pays: $1,080 per month
• Parent 2 (40% of income) pays: $720 per month

Colorado

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If the combined monthly income of both parents is $8,000 with three children:

• Total child support obligation: $2,000 per month
• Parent 1 (65% of income) pays: $1,300 per month
• Parent 2 (35% of income) pays: $700 per month

Connecticut

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If parents earn a combined $120,000 annually and have one child:

• Total support obligation: $15,000 annually
• Parent 1 (earns 55%) pays: $8,250 per year ($687.50 per month)
• Parent 2 (earns 45%) pays: $6,750 per year ($562.50 per month)

Delaware

Model Used: Melson Formula

Example: If Parent 1 earns $4,000 per month and Parent 2 earns $3,000 per month:

• After self-support allowances, the remaining income is used for child support.
• The exact amount depends on expenses and the child’s needs.

Florida

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If parents have a combined income of $7,000 per month and two children:

• Total obligation: $1,400 per month
• Parent 1 (60% of income) pays: $840 per month
• Parent 2 (40% of income) pays: $560 per month

Georgia

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If the combined annual income is $100,000 and there is one child:

• Total child support obligation: $12,000 per year
• Parent 1 (70% of income) pays: $8,400 per year ($700 per month)
• Parent 2 (30% of income) pays: $3,600 per year ($300 per month)

Hawaii

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If Parent 1 earns $5,000 per month and Parent 2 earns $2,000 per month, and they share one child:

• Total obligation: $1,200 per month
• Parent 1 (71.4% of income) pays: $857 per month
• Parent 2 (28.6% of income) pays: $343 per month

Idaho

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If both parents have a combined income of $6,000 per month and one child:

• Total obligation: $900 per month
• Parent 1 (65% of income) pays: $585 per month
• Parent 2 (35% of income) pays: $315 per month

Illinois

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If parents earn a combined $9,000 per month with two children:

• Total child support obligation: $1,500 per month
• Parent 1 (60% of income) pays: $900 per month
• Parent 2 (40% of income) pays: $600 per month

Indiana

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If Parent 1 earns $4,000 monthly and Parent 2 earns $2,000 monthly, their combined income is $6,000.

• For two children, Indiana’s guidelines might set the total support obligation at $1,200 per month.
• Parent 1 pays: $800 per month (66.7%)
• Parent 2 pays: $400 per month (33.3%)

Iowa

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If both parents have a combined monthly income of $7,500 and three children:

• Total child support obligation: $1,500 per month
• Parent 1 (60% of income) pays: $900 per month
• Parent 2 (40% of income) pays: $600 per month

Kansas

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If Parent 1 earns $5,500 monthly and Parent 2 earns $4,500, their combined income is $10,000.

• For one child, Kansas guidelines might set total support at $1,000 per month.
• Parent 1 (55%) pays: $550 per month
• Parent 2 (45%) pays: $450 per month

Kentucky

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If both parents have a combined monthly income of $8,000 and share two children:

• Total child support obligation: $1,600 per month
• Parent 1 (70% of income) pays: $1,120 per month
• Parent 2 (30% of income) pays: $480 per month

Louisiana

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If a combined parental income is $6,500 per month and one child:

• Total support obligation: $1,300 per month
• Parent 1 (60% of income) pays: $780 per month
• Parent 2 (40% of income) pays: $520 per month

Maine

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If Parent 1 earns $3,500 monthly and Parent 2 earns $3,500, their combined income is $7,000.

• For two children, Maine’s guidelines might set the total support at $1,400 per month.
• Each parent pays: $700 per month (50% each)

Maryland

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If the combined monthly income of both parents is $9,000 with three children:

• Total child support obligation: $2,250 per month
• Parent 1 (65% of income) pays: $1,462.50 per month
• Parent 2 (35% of income) pays: $787.50 per month

Massachusetts

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If parents earn a combined annual income of $100,000 and have one child:

• Total support obligation: $12,000 per year
• Parent 1 (55% of income) pays: $6,600 per year ($550 per month)
• Parent 2 (45% of income) pays: $5,400 per year ($450 per month)

Michigan

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If Parent 1 earns $5,000 per month and Parent 2 earns $3,000 per month, their combined income is $8,000.

• For two children, Michigan’s guidelines might set the total support obligation at $1,600 per month.
• Parent 1 (62.5% of income) pays: $1,000 per month.
• Parent 2 (37.5% of income) pays: $600 per month.

Minnesota

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If both parents have a combined income of $7,500 per month and one child:

• Total support obligation: $1,200 per month.
• Parent 1 (60% of income) pays: $720 per month.
• Parent 2 (40% of income) pays: $480 per month.

Mississippi

Model Used: Percentage of Income Model

Guideline Percentages:

• 14% for one child
• 20% for two children
• 22% for three children
• 24% for four children
• 26% for five or more children

Example: A non-custodial parent earning $50,000 per year with two children:

• $50,000 × 20% = $10,000 annually ($833 per month).

Missouri

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If Parent 1 earns $4,500 per month and Parent 2 earns $2,500 per month, their combined income is $7,000.

• For one child, Missouri guidelines might set the total support at $1,100 per month.
• Parent 1 (64.2% of income) pays: $705 per month.
• Parent 2 (35.8% of income) pays: $395 per month.

Montana

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If the combined parental income is $6,000 per month with two children:

• Total obligation: $1,200 per month.
• Parent 1 (55% of income) pays: $660 per month.
• Parent 2 (45% of income) pays: $540 per month.

Nebraska

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If both parents have a combined income of $5,500 per month and one child:

• Total support obligation: $950 per month.
• Parent 1 (60% of income) pays: $570 per month.
• Parent 2 (40% of income) pays: $380 per month.

Nevada

Model Used: Percentage of Income Model

Guideline Percentages:

• 16% for one child
• 22% for two children
• 26% for three children
• 28% for four children
• 30% for five or more children

Example: A non-custodial parent earning $60,000 per year with two children:

• $60,000 × 22% = $13,200 annually ($1,100 per month).

New Hampshire

Model Used: Percentage of Income Model

Guideline Percentages:

• 19% for one child
• 25% for two children
• 30% for three children
• 33% for four or more children

Example: A non-custodial parent earning $55,000 per year with three children:

• $55,000 × 30% = $16,500 annually ($1,375 per month).

New Jersey

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If the combined monthly income of both parents is $9,500 and two children:

• Total child support obligation: $1,800 per month.
• Parent 1 (60% of income) pays: $1,080 per month.
• Parent 2 (40% of income) pays: $720 per month.

New Mexico

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If both parents have a combined monthly income of $6,500 and one child:

• Total support obligation: $1,100 per month.
• Parent 1 (65% of income) pays: $715 per month.
• Parent 2 (35% of income) pays: $385 per month.

New York

Model Used: Percentage of Income Model

Guideline Percentages:

• 17% for one child
• 25% for two children
• 29% for three children
• 31% for four children
• 35% for five or more children

Example: A non-custodial parent earning $70,000 per year with two children:

• $70,000 × 25% = $17,500 annually ($1,458 per month).

North Carolina

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If Parent 1 earns $5,000 per month and Parent 2 earns $3,000 per month, their combined income is $8,000.

• For one child, North Carolina’s guidelines might set the total support obligation at $1,200 per month.
• Parent 1 (62.5% of income) pays: $750 per month.
• Parent 2 (37.5% of income) pays: $450 per month.

North Dakota

Model Used: Percentage of Income Model

Guideline Percentages:

• 17% for one child
• 25% for two children
• 29% for three children
• 31% for four children
• 35% for five or more children

Example: A non-custodial parent earning $50,000 per year with one child:

• $50,000 × 17% = $8,500 annually ($708 per month).

Ohio

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If Parent 1 earns $6,000 per month and Parent 2 earns $4,000 per month, their combined income is $10,000 with two children:

• Total child support obligation: $1,800 per month
• Parent 1 (60% of income) pays: $1,080 per month
• Parent 2 (40% of income) pays: $720 per month

Oklahoma

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If the combined parental income is $5,500 per month and one child:

• Total support obligation: $950 per month
• Parent 1 (60% of income) pays: $570 per month
• Parent 2 (40% of income) pays: $380 per month

Oregon

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If both parents have a combined monthly income of $7,000 and one child:

• Total support obligation: $1,100 per month
• Parent 1 (55% of income) pays: $605 per month
• Parent 2 (45% of income) pays: $495 per month

Pennsylvania

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If Parent 1 earns $4,800 per month and Parent 2 earns $3,200 per month, their combined income is $8,000.

• For two children, Pennsylvania guidelines might set the total support at $1,500 per month.
• Parent 1 (60% of income) pays: $900 per month
• Parent 2 (40% of income) pays: $600 per month

Rhode Island

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If parents have a combined monthly income of $6,500 and one child:

• Total child support obligation: $1,050 per month
• Parent 1 (65% of income) pays: $682.50 per month
• Parent 2 (35% of income) pays: $367.50 per month

South Carolina

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If the combined parental income is $5,000 per month with two children:

• Total obligation: $1,200 per month
• Parent 1 (55% of income) pays: $660 per month
• Parent 2 (45% of income) pays: $540 per month

South Dakota

Model Used: Percentage of Income Model

Guideline Percentages:

• 17% for one child
• 25% for two children
• 29% for three children
• 31% for four children
• 35% for five or more children

Example: A non-custodial parent earning $60,000 per year with three children:

• $60,000 × 29% = $17,400 annually ($1,450 per month).

Tennessee

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If Parent 1 earns $5,500 monthly and Parent 2 earns $4,500, their combined income is $10,000.

• For one child, Tennessee guidelines might set total support at $1,000 per month.
• Parent 1 (55%) pays: $550 per month
• Parent 2 (45%) pays: $450 per month

Texas

Model Used: Percentage of Income Model

Guideline Percentages:

• 20% for one child
• 25% for two children
• 30% for three children
• 35% for four children
• 40% for five or more children

Example: A non-custodial parent earning $80,000 per year with two children:

• $80,000 × 25% = $20,000 annually ($1,667 per month).

Utah

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If parents have a combined annual income of $120,000 with two children:

• Total child support obligation: $15,000 per year.
• Parent 1 (earns 55%) pays: $8,250 per year ($687.50 per month).
• Parent 2 (earns 45%) pays: $6,750 per year ($562.50 per month).

Vermont

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If the combined parental income is $6,000 per month and one child:

• Total obligation: $1,000 per month
• Parent 1 (55% of income) pays: $550 per month
• Parent 2 (45% of income) pays: $450 per month

Virginia

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If the combined monthly income of both parents is $7,500 and three children:

• Total child support obligation: $1,500 per month
• Parent 1 (60% of income) pays: $900 per month
• Parent 2 (40% of income) pays: $600 per month

Washington

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If Parent 1 earns $6,000 per month and Parent 2 earns $4,000 per month, their combined income is $10,000 with two children:

• Total child support obligation: $1,800 per month
• Parent 1 (60% of income) pays: $1,080 per month
• Parent 2 (40% of income) pays: $720 per month

West Virginia

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If both parents have a combined monthly income of $5,000 and one child:

• Total support obligation: $900 per month.
• Parent 1 (60% of income) pays: $540 per month.
• Parent 2 (40% of income) pays: $360 per month.

Wisconsin

Model Used: Percentage of Income Model

Guideline Percentages:

• 17% for one child
• 25% for two children
• 29% for three children
• 31% for four children
• 34% for five or more children

Example: A non-custodial parent earning $70,000 per year with one child:

• $70,000 × 17% = $11,900 annually ($992 per month).

Wyoming

Model Used: Income Shares Model

Example: If parents earn a combined $9,500 per month with two children:

• Total child support obligation: $1,800 per month.
• Parent 1 (60% of income) pays: $1,080 per month.
• Parent 2 (40% of income) pays: $720 per month.

Canada Child Support Guidelines by Province and Territory

Canada follows the Federal Child Support Guidelines, but each province and territory has slight variations based on income levels and additional expenses. Below is a breakdown of each province’s child support model, including guideline percentages and real-world examples.

Alberta

Model Used: Federal Child Support Guidelines (Income Shares Model)

Example: If Parent 1 earns $150,000 annually and Parent 2 earns $50,000 annually, with one child in a shared custody arrangement:

• Base child support obligation: $1,300 per month.
• If Parent 1 has primary custody, Parent 2 pays: $1,300 per month.
• If shared custody, payments adjust based on proportional income.

British Columbia

Model Used: Federal Child Support Guidelines (Income Shares Model)

Example: If the combined parental income is $100,000 per year and there are two children:

• Base child support obligation: $1,800 per month.
• Parent 1 (65% of income) pays: $1,170 per month.
• Parent 2 (35% of income) pays: $630 per month.

Manitoba

Model Used: Federal Child Support Guidelines (Income Shares Model)

Example: If Parent 1 earns $80,000 per year and Parent 2 earns $40,000 per year with one child:

• Total child support obligation: $1,200 per month.
• Parent 1 (66.7% of income) pays: $800 per month.
• Parent 2 (33.3% of income) pays: $400 per month.

New Brunswick

Model Used: Federal Child Support Guidelines (Income Shares Model)

Example: If the combined parental income is $90,000 per year with two children:

• Total child support obligation: $1,600 per month.
• Parent 1 (60% of income) pays: $960 per month.
• Parent 2 (40% of income) pays: $640 per month.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Model Used: Federal Child Support Guidelines (Income Shares Model)

Example: If Parent 1 earns $70,000 per year and Parent 2 earns $50,000 per year, with one child:

• Total child support obligation: $1,100 per month.
• Parent 1 (58% of income) pays: $638 per month.
• Parent 2 (42% of income) pays: $462 per month.

Northwest Territories

Model Used: Federal Child Support Guidelines (Income Shares Model)

Example: If Parent 1 earns $60,000 per year and Parent 2 earns $30,000 per year, with one child:

• Total child support obligation: $1,000 per month.
• Parent 1 (66.7% of income) pays: $667 per month.
• Parent 2 (33.3% of income) pays: $333 per month.

Nova Scotia

Model Used: Federal Child Support Guidelines (Income Shares Model)

Example: If the combined parental income is $85,000 per year and there are two children:

• Total child support obligation: $1,500 per month.
• Parent 1 (65% of income) pays: $975 per month.
• Parent 2 (35% of income) pays: $525 per month.

Nunavut

Model Used: Federal Child Support Guidelines (Income Shares Model)

Example: If Parent 1 earns $50,000 per year and Parent 2 earns $20,000 per year, with one child:

• Total child support obligation: $900 per month.
• Parent 1 (71% of income) pays: $639 per month.
• Parent 2 (29% of income) pays: $261 per month.

Ontario

Model Used: Federal Child Support Guidelines (Income Shares Model)

Example: If Parent 1 earns $120,000 per year and Parent 2 earns $60,000 per year, with two children:

• Total child support obligation: $2,000 per month.
• Parent 1 (66.7% of income) pays: $1,334 per month.
• Parent 2 (33.3% of income) pays: $666 per month.

Prince Edward Island

Model Used: Federal Child Support Guidelines (Income Shares Model)

Example: If Parent 1 earns $90,000 per year and Parent 2 earns $40,000 per year, with one child:

• Total child support obligation: $1,200 per month.
• Parent 1 (69% of income) pays: $828 per month.
• Parent 2 (31% of income) pays: $372 per month.

Quebec

Model Used: Provincial Child Support Guidelines (Income Shares Model)

Example: If Parent 1 earns $110,000 per year and Parent 2 earns $55,000 per year, with two children:

• Total child support obligation: $1,900 per month.
• Parent 1 (67% of income) pays: $1,273 per month.
• Parent 2 (33% of income) pays: $627 per month.

Saskatchewan

Model Used: Federal Child Support Guidelines (Income Shares Model)

Example: If Parent 1 earns $75,000 per year and Parent 2 earns $35,000 per year, with one child:

• Total child support obligation: $1,100 per month.
• Parent 1 (68% of income) pays: $748 per month.
• Parent 2 (32% of income) pays: $352 per month.

Yukon

Model Used: Federal Child Support Guidelines (Income Shares Model)

Example: If Parent 1 earns $85,000 per year and Parent 2 earns $45,000 per year, with two children:

• Total child support obligation: $1,600 per month.
• Parent 1 (65% of income) pays: $1,040 per month.
• Parent 2 (35% of income) pays: $560 per month.

Why Use the Child Support Calculator?

Sometimes, when going through a breakup with your better half, it’s almost best to avoid legal fees when trying to figure out how much child support to pay. While each state and province has a slightly different outcome depending on your income and how many children you have, it is still best to consult legal advice if you can afford to do so.

Making sure the kids are fed and taken care of, with a roof over their heads and a bed to sleep in, is the most important step and should be the number one priority. Once that’s taken care of, it’s time to see how much the mortgage payments should be.

In most child support cases, it’s the man who has to pay because they normally provide for the family. The mother usually looks after the children as a stay-at-home mom, so she may need extra money to help with expenses. However, if the woman makes more than the man and the man is a stay-at-home dad, then the woman needs to pay child support. Stats show that 26% of stay-at-home parents were mothers, while 7% were fathers.

Final Thoughts on Child Support Calculations

This complete guide covers all U.S. states and Canadian provinces using the latest child support calculation models and formulas. While we strive to be as accurate as possible with our calculators, it’s always best to seek legal advice if you and your partner cannot come to an agreement.

The key takeaway is that children should always come first—their well-being is the most important factor to consider when determining child support. Be sure to check your local laws regarding the actual amounts you will be required to pay, as each state and province has its own regulations. Our child support calculator provides estimated figures based on the most up-to-date data available through 2025.