Free Child Support Calculator — All 50 States, 2026 Guidelines
Child support in the United States is calculated differently in every state — monthly obligations can range from under $200 to over $3,000 depending on both parents' incomes, custody arrangement, and the number of children. SupportByState.com provides free, instant child support calculators for all 50 states, updated to reflect 2026 guidelines and current income schedules. Select your state below to get an estimate in under two minutes.
Three core models govern child support across the country. The Income Shares model, used by 41 states, combines both parents' gross or net monthly incomes to estimate the total amount the children would have received in an intact household, then allocates each parent's proportional share. The Percentage of Income model, used by Texas, New York, Wisconsin, Alaska, Mississippi, and Nevada, applies a fixed statutory percentage — typically 17–40% — directly to the paying parent's income. The Melson Formula, used by Delaware, Hawaii, and Pennsylvania, is the most comprehensive: it first ensures both parents can meet their own minimum needs before calculating the child's primary support obligation, then adds a Standard of Living Adjustment (SLA) for higher-income families.
To use our calculator, select your state from the map or menu, then enter both parents' monthly gross income, the number of qualifying children, and the number of overnights the child spends with each parent annually. Our tool applies the state's current 2026 statutory formula and returns an estimated monthly obligation plus a line-item breakdown. Results are available in under two minutes and can be downloaded as a PDF. Use the estimate to prepare for mediation, plan your budget, or understand your exposure before a court hearing.
Who SupportByState.com Is For
- Separating parents — Get an accurate estimate before your first attorney consultation or mediation session.
- Family law attorneys — Quick sanity-check calculations to prepare for hearings and settlement negotiations.
- Mediators and child support enforcement workers — Run state-accurate estimates on the spot to anchor realistic discussions.
- Parents budgeting for co-parenting — Understand your monthly obligation before any court date.
Not legal or financial advice: All results from this calculator are estimates based on your state's statutory formula and the inputs you provide. Child support amounts are ultimately determined by a family court. This site is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Attorney listings on this site are paid advertising. Consult a licensed family law attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Child Support Formula Models — All 50 States (2026)
| Formula Model | States | Income Basis |
|---|
| Income Shares (Gross) | AL, AZ, AR, CO, GA, HI, ID, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MI, MN, MO, MT, NH, NM, NC, ND, OK, OR, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VT, VA, WV, WY (31) | Combined gross income of both parents |
| Income Shares (Net) | CA*, CT, FL*, IL, IN, IA, MA, NE, NJ, OH (10) | Combined net income after taxes and mandatory deductions |
| Percentage of Paying Parent Income | TX (net resources), NY (CSSA), WI, AK, MS, NV (6) | Paying parent's income only; fixed % per child |
| Melson Formula | PA, DE, HI (3) | Self-support reserve + primary obligation + SLA |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How is child support calculated in the United States?
- Child support is calculated differently in every state. Most states (41) use an Income Shares model combining both parents' gross or net monthly incomes. Six states use a Percentage of Income model applied only to the paying parent. Three states (PA, DE, HI) use the Melson Formula, which accounts for each parent's self-support needs first. Select your state from our calculator to see the exact formula and current 2026 rates.
- Can a court deviate from the child support guideline amount?
- Yes. Courts in every state can deviate from the guideline when the result would be unjust or inappropriate. Common grounds include a child's special medical or educational needs, a parent's extraordinary visitation travel costs, voluntary underemployment, an unusually high number of overnights, or agreement of both parents. The guideline amount is presumed correct; a party seeking deviation must present evidence justifying it.
- Is child support taxable income?
- No. Child support payments are not deductible for the paying parent and are not taxable income for the receiving parent under current IRS rules (effective since the Tax Reform Act of 1984). Alimony rules differ — alimony paid under agreements finalized after December 31, 2018 is neither deductible nor taxable under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
- What income is included when calculating child support?
- Most states include wages, salary, overtime, bonuses, commissions, self-employment net income, rental income, interest, dividends, Social Security benefits (including SSDI), military pay and housing allowances (BAH/BAS), veterans' benefits, workers' compensation, and unemployment benefits. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is excluded in most states because it is a needs-based federal benefit.
- What happens if a parent does not pay court-ordered child support?
- Unpaid child support (arrears) can result in: automatic income withholding from the paying parent's employer, interception of federal and state tax refunds, suspension of driver's license and professional licenses, denial of passport issuance, reporting to credit bureaus, seizure of bank accounts or property, and a finding of contempt of court which can include jail time in serious cases.
- When does child support end?
- Child support typically ends when the child turns 18 or graduates from high school (whichever is later in most states). Some states — including New York, Massachusetts, Indiana, and others — may extend support through college under certain circumstances. Child support can also end earlier if the child becomes legally emancipated (marries, joins the military, or is declared independent by a court).
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