California Child Support Calculator (2026)
Estimate your child support payments in California using our free calculator based on the official California Family Code Section 4055. Enter your income details below to get an instant estimate.
California Child Support Calculator
Based on California's 2024 California Family Code Section 4055
This is an estimate only. See our full disclaimer.
Key Facts: Child Support in California
- California uses the algebraic formula CS = K[HN − (H%)(TN)] per Family Code § 4055, revised by SB 343 (operative September 1, 2024).
- The K factor is determined by five income bands: 0.165 + TN/82,857 for the lowest band ($0–$2,900), up to 0.12 + 1,200/TN for incomes over $15,000/month.
- Net disposable income (§ 4059) includes all income minus actual taxes, FICA, mandatory retirement, health insurance, and hardship deductions.
- California has no statutory income cap; the formula applies at all income levels with K decreasing at higher incomes.
- Add-on expenses (child care, health insurance) are shared proportionally based on each parent's percentage of combined income, not 50/50.
- A low-income adjustment applies when the obligor's income falls below full-time minimum wage gross ($2,860/month).
Source: California Family Code Section 4055 • Last verified: 2026-05-30
How Much Is Child Support in California?
If you make $60,000 a year in California, child support for 1 child is estimated at $1,020 per month ($12,240 per year) based on the California Family Code Section 4055. This assumes the other parent earns approximately $36,000/year and the higher earner has 20% custody time. Actual amounts depend on both parents' net disposable incomes, custody time, and the K-factor from § 4055(b)(3).
If you make $1,000 a week ($52,000/year) in California, child support for 1 child is approximately $884/month.
California Child Support Estimates by Income (2026)
| Annual Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000/yr | $680/mo | $1,088/mo | $1,360/mo |
| $50,000/yr | $850/mo | $1,360/mo | $1,700/mo |
| $60,000/yr | $1,020/mo | $1,632/mo | $2,040/mo |
| $70,000/yr | $1,190/mo | $1,904/mo | $2,380/mo |
| $80,000/yr | $1,309/mo | $2,094/mo | $2,617/mo |
| $100,000/yr | $1,444/mo | $2,311/mo | $2,889/mo |
| $120,000/yr | $1,591/mo | $2,546/mo | $3,182/mo |
Estimates assume the other parent earns 60% of your income and the higher earner has 20% custody time. Based on § 4055 K-factor formula. For official calculations, use court-approved software (DissoMaster/Xspouse). Compare all states →
How Child Support Is Calculated in California
California uses the Algebraic Formula (§ 4055) model to calculate child support obligations. The formula CS = K[HN − (H%)(TN)] uses both parents' net disposable incomes and the actual time-sharing arrangement. K is determined by five income bands defined in § 4055(b)(3), and the result is multiplied for additional children per § 4055(b)(4).
Factors That Affect Child Support in California
Important Notes for California
- California uses the algebraic formula CS = K[HN − (H%)(TN)] per Family Code § 4055, as revised by SB 343 (operative September 1, 2024).
- K = (1 + H%) × income-band fraction when H% ≤ 50%, or (2 − H%) × fraction when H% > 50%. The fraction varies by total net disposable income across five bands.
- Net disposable income is defined in § 4059 and includes all income minus actual federal/state income taxes, FICA, mandatory retirement, union dues, health insurance, and hardship deductions.
- Add-on expenses (child care, uninsured health costs) are shared proportionally based on each parent's percentage of combined net disposable income (§ 4062).
- A low-income adjustment per § 4055(b)(7) applies when the obligor's net disposable income is below the gross income from full-time minimum wage ($2,860/month at $16.50/hr).
- This calculator provides estimates. For official California guideline calculations, use the court-approved DissoMaster or Xspouse software.
Example Child Support Calculation in California
Scenario: Parent A earns $5,000/month, Parent B earns $3,000/month net disposable income, 2 children. Parent A has the children 20% of the time.
Step 1: Total net disposable income (TN): $5,000 + $3,000 = $8,000
Step 2: K fraction for $8,000 TN → $5,001–$10,000 band → 0.250
Step 3: K = (1 + 0.20) × 0.250 = 0.300
Step 4: CS = 0.300 × [$5,000 − 0.20 × $8,000] = 0.300 × $3,400 = $1,020/month for 1 child
Step 5: For 2 children, multiply by 1.6: $1,020 × 1.6 = $1,632/month
Note: This uses net disposable income per § 4059. Add-on expenses (child care, health insurance) are shared proportionally.
Frequently Asked Questions About California Child Support
How is child support calculated in California?
What counts as income for California child support?
Is there a maximum child support in California?
How does custody time affect California child support?
What changed with SB 343?
About This Calculator
This calculator uses the official California Family Code Section 4055 (2024 guidelines) to estimate child support in California. Calculations were last verified against the official source on 2026-05-30.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only and does not constitute legal advice. Actual child support amounts are determined by California courts and may differ based on factors not included here. For legal advice, consult a California family law attorney.
Our methodology: Based on the Algebraic Formula (§ 4055) model as defined in the California Family Code Section 4055. Updated for 2026.