California Child Support Calculator (2026)
In California, child support is based on both parents' incomes and how much time each parent spends with the children. Generally, the parent who earns more and spends less time with the kids pays support to the other parent. Use the free calculator below for an instant estimate.
Calculate Your California Child Support
Free estimate — official California guidelines
Your income after taxes and required deductions
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). This assumes the other parent earns approximately $36,000/year with 20% custody time.
$1,000/week ($52,000/year): approximately $884/month for 1 child.
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 |
Based on the § 4055 formula. For official calculations, use court-approved software. Compare all states →
How Child Support Is Calculated in California
Factors That Affect Child Support in California
Technical details and legal basis
California uses the Algebraic Formula (§ 4055) model (California Family Code Section 4055) to calculate child support. The formula CS = K[HN − (H%)(TN)] uses both parents' net disposable incomes and the actual time-sharing arrangement.
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 Calculation
Scenario: Parent A earns $5,000/month, Parent B $3,000/month net disposable income, 2 children, Parent A has 20% custody time.
Step 1: Total net disposable income (TN): $8,000
Step 2: K fraction for $8,000 → 0.250
Step 3: K = (1 + 0.20) × 0.250 = 0.300
Step 4: CS = 0.300 × [$5,000 − 0.20 × $8,000] = $1,020/month (1 child) × 1.6 = $1,632/month
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).
California Child Support FAQ
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
Uses the official California Family Code Section 4055 (2024 guidelines). Last verified: 2026-05-31.
Disclaimer: Estimates only, not legal advice. Actual amounts are set by California courts. Full disclaimer.
Methodology: Algebraic Formula (§ 4055) model per California Family Code Section 4055.