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Ohio Child Support Calculator (2026)

In Ohio, child support is based on both parents' combined income and the number of children. The total is split between you based on how much each parent earns, and parenting time can change the amount. Use the free calculator below for an instant estimate.

How it's calculated
Both parents' income combined
Income used
Before-tax (gross)
Last updated
2024
Verified
2026-07-22

Source: Ohio Revised Code § 3119

Calculate Your Ohio Child Support

Free estimate — official Ohio guidelines

Include wages, salary, bonuses, and other income

How Much Is Child Support in Ohio?

If you make $60,000 a year in Ohio, child support for 1 child is estimated at $527 per month ($6,324 per year). This assumes the other parent earns approximately $36,000/year. Actual amounts depend on both parents' incomes, custody time, and add-on expenses (child care, health insurance).

$1,000/week ($52,000/year): approximately $483/month for 1 child.

Ohio Child Support Estimates by Income (2026)

Annual Income 1 Child 2 Children 3 Children
$40,000/yr $409/mo $567/mo $668/mo
$50,000/yr $472/mo $653/mo $771/mo
$60,000/yr $527/mo $731/mo $864/mo
$70,000/yr $577/mo $802/mo $948/mo
$80,000/yr $624/mo $868/mo $1,026/mo
$100,000/yr $707/mo $984/mo $1,166/mo
$120,000/yr $780/mo $1,088/mo $1,289/mo

Estimates assume the other parent earns 60% of your income. Actual amounts vary. Compare all states →

How Child Support Is Calculated in Ohio

Factors That Affect Child Support in Ohio

Both parents' gross annual incomes
Number of children
Health insurance costs for the children
Work-related child care costs
Parenting time (overnights per year)
Other child support orders
Extraordinary medical expenses
Special or unusual needs of the child
Technical details and legal basis

Ohio uses the Income Shares model (Ohio Revised Code § 3119) to calculate child support. This model combines both parents' incomes to determine the total obligation, then divides it proportionally based on each parent's share.

Important Notes for Ohio

  • Ohio uses the Income Shares model, combining both parents' gross incomes to determine the total child support obligation.
  • Each parent's share is proportional to their percentage of the combined income.
  • Ohio adjusts the basic obligation for work-related child care costs, health insurance premiums for the children, and extraordinary medical expenses.
  • A parenting time adjustment may apply when the non-custodial parent has the children for more than 90 overnights per year (approximately 25% of the time).

Example Calculation

Scenario: Parent A earns $5,000/month, Parent B earns $3,000/month, 2 children.

Step 1: Combined income: $8,000

Step 2: Parent A's share: $5,000 / $8,000 = 62.5%

Step 3: Look up basic obligation for $8,000 combined and 2 children.

Step 4: Multiply by Parent A's share (62.5%).

Adjustments for health insurance, child care, and parenting time may apply.

Key Facts: Child Support in Ohio

  • Ohio uses the Income Shares model, meaning child support is based on both parents' combined gross income.
  • The basic child support obligation for 1 child ranges from approximately $106/month at $1,050 combined income to $1,683/month at $30,000 combined monthly income.
  • Each parent pays their proportional share of the total obligation based on their percentage of the combined income.
  • Ohio includes adjustments for health insurance costs, work-related child care, and parenting time over 90 overnights per year.
  • A self-support reserve ensures the paying parent retains enough income for basic needs, based on the federal poverty level.

Ohio Child Support FAQ

How is child support calculated in Ohio?
Ohio uses the Income Shares model. Both parents' gross incomes are combined, and a basic child support obligation is determined from the state schedule. Each parent pays their proportional share based on their percentage of the combined income. Adjustments are made for health insurance, child care costs, and parenting time.
How much is child support for 1 kid in Ohio?
Child support for 1 child in Ohio depends on both parents' combined gross income. For example, with a combined monthly income of $8,000, the basic obligation for 1 child is approximately $843. The non-custodial parent pays their proportional share of this amount. Additional costs like health insurance and child care may increase the total.
Does Ohio have a self-support reserve?
Yes. Under Ohio Revised Code § 3119.04, the self-support reserve is set at 116% of the federal poverty level for one person, approximately $18,514 a year for 2026. If paying the full child support amount would reduce the obligor's income below this threshold, the court may reduce the support order.
How does shared custody affect child support in Ohio?
In Ohio, if the non-custodial parent has the children for more than 90 overnights per year (approximately 25% of the time), a parenting time adjustment may reduce the child support obligation. The adjustment reflects the increased direct costs the non-custodial parent bears during those overnights.
What income is used for Ohio child support?
Ohio uses gross income from all sources, including wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, retirement benefits, and Social Security benefits. The court may impute income if a parent is voluntarily underemployed or unemployed.
Who pays child support in Ohio if you have 50/50 custody?
With 50/50 custody in Ohio, the parent who earns more typically pays child support. The state combines both parents' incomes, works out each parent's share, and the higher earner usually pays the difference to the other parent. Equal parenting time can lower the amount, but it does not automatically make support zero.
What is the average child support payment in Ohio?
There is no single average, because Ohio child support depends on both parents' combined income and the number of children. For 1 child, the basic monthly obligation in the state schedule ranges from about $106 at $1,050 in combined monthly gross income to $1,683 at $30,000. Use the calculator above to see the amount for your own income and family size.
Is child support different in Hamilton County or Franklin County?
No. Child support is calculated the same way in every Ohio county, including Hamilton County and Franklin County. The schedule and rules come from state law (Ohio Revised Code § 3119), so the numbers are the same in Cincinnati, Columbus, and the rest of the state. Your county child support agency handles your case, but the formula does not change.
Does the Ohio child support calculator include spousal support?
No. This calculator estimates child support only. Spousal support (alimony) is separate in Ohio, and courts decide it case by case based on factors like each spouse's income and the length of the marriage, rather than a set statewide formula.

About This Calculator

Uses the official Ohio Revised Code § 3119 (2024 guidelines). Last verified: 2026-07-22.

Disclaimer: Estimates only, not legal advice. Actual amounts are set by Ohio courts. Full disclaimer.

Methodology: Income Shares model per Ohio Revised Code § 3119.

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