Wisconsin Child Support Calculator (2026)
In Wisconsin, child support is mainly a percentage of the paying parent's income, based on how many children are involved. Use the free calculator below for an instant estimate.
Calculate Your Wisconsin Child Support
Free estimate — official Wisconsin guidelines
Include wages, salary, bonuses, and other income
How Much Is Child Support in Wisconsin?
If you make $60,000 a year in Wisconsin, child support for 1 child is estimated at $850 per month ($10,200 per year). Based on the guideline percentage applied to your income.
$1,000/week ($52,000/year): approximately $737/month for 1 child.
Wisconsin Child Support Estimates by Income (2026)
| Annual Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000/yr | $567/mo | $833/mo | $967/mo |
| $50,000/yr | $708/mo | $1,042/mo | $1,208/mo |
| $60,000/yr | $850/mo | $1,250/mo | $1,450/mo |
| $70,000/yr | $992/mo | $1,458/mo | $1,692/mo |
| $80,000/yr | $1,133/mo | $1,667/mo | $1,933/mo |
| $100,000/yr | $1,417/mo | $2,083/mo | $2,417/mo |
| $120,000/yr | $1,700/mo | $2,500/mo | $2,900/mo |
Based on guideline percentages applied to gross income. Compare all states →
How Child Support Is Calculated in Wisconsin
Factors That Affect Child Support in Wisconsin
Non-custodial parent's gross monthly income
Number of children
Placement schedule (number of overnights)
Health insurance costs for the children
Child care costs
Other child support obligations
Serial family variable (children from other relationships)
High-income payer adjustments
Technical details and legal basis
Wisconsin uses the Percentage of Income model (Wisconsin DCF 150 (Percentage of Income Standard)) to calculate child support. This means child support is based on a set percentage of the non-custodial parent's gross income, with the percentage increasing for more children.
Important Notes for Wisconsin
- Wisconsin uses the Percentage of Income model, applying flat percentages to the non-custodial parent's gross income: 17% for 1 child, 25% for 2 children, 29% for 3, 31% for 4, and 34% for 5 or more.
- Gross income includes wages, salary, tips, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, rental income, and other income sources before taxes.
- Wisconsin has a shared placement formula that applies when the non-custodial parent has the child for at least 25% of overnight placement (92 nights per year).
- The court may deviate from guidelines for high-income payers, where applying the standard percentage would exceed the child's reasonable needs.
Example Calculation
Scenario: Non-custodial parent earns $5,000/month gross income, 2 children.
Step 1: Determine gross monthly income: $5,000
Step 2: Apply the guideline percentage for 2 children: 25%
Step 3: Calculate: $5,000 × 25% = $1,250/month
Key Facts: Child Support in Wisconsin
- Wisconsin uses the Percentage of Income model, applying flat percentages to the non-custodial parent's gross income.
- The guideline percentages are: 17% for 1 child, 25% for 2 children, 29% for 3 children, 31% for 4 children, and 34% for 5 or more children.
- Wisconsin bases child support on gross income, not net income, which is different from some other percentage-of-income states like Texas.
- A shared placement formula applies when the non-custodial parent has the child for at least 25% of overnights (92+ nights per year).
- Wisconsin does not have a statutory income cap, but courts may adjust for high earners whose guideline amount would exceed the child's reasonable needs.
Wisconsin Child Support FAQ
How is child support calculated in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin uses the Percentage of Income model. Child support is calculated as a flat percentage of the non-custodial parent's gross income: 17% for 1 child, 25% for 2 children, 29% for 3 children, 31% for 4 children, and 34% for 5 or more. These percentages are applied to gross income from all sources.
What percentage of gross income is child support in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin applies these flat percentages to the non-custodial parent's gross income: 17% for 1 child, 25% for 2 children, 29% for 3 children, 31% for 4 children, and 34% for 5 or more children. Unlike many states, Wisconsin bases the calculation on gross income (before taxes), not net income.
How does shared placement affect child support in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin applies a shared placement formula when the non-custodial parent has the child for at least 25% of overnight placements (92 or more nights per year). Under shared placement, both parents' incomes are considered, and the support amount is adjusted to reflect each parent's time with the child and their respective incomes.
Is there an income cap for child support in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin does not have a statutory income cap for child support. However, courts may use discretion to adjust the support amount for high-income payers if applying the standard percentage would exceed the reasonable needs of the child. In such cases, the court considers the child's actual needs and standard of living.
How long does child support last in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, child support generally continues until the child turns 18, or until age 19 if the child is still pursuing a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Support for a child with a disability may continue beyond age 18 if the child is unable to be self-supporting.
Is this Wisconsin child support calculator updated for 2026?
Yes. This calculator uses the 2024 edition of the Wisconsin DCF 150 Percentage of Income Standard, which is still the standard Wisconsin courts apply in 2026. We last verified every figure against the official Wisconsin DCF guidelines on May 30, 2026.
How much is child support in Wisconsin for 1 kid?
For one child, Wisconsin sets child support at a flat 17% of the non-custodial parent's gross monthly income. That percentage is applied directly to gross income from all sources, so the dollar amount scales with the paying parent's earnings, subject to any shared placement adjustment.
Does this Wisconsin calculator include alimony or spousal support?
No. This calculator estimates child support only. Alimony, called maintenance in Wisconsin, is decided separately using different factors, such as each spouse's earning capacity and the length of the marriage.
What factors determine child support in Wisconsin?
The main factor is the non-custodial parent's gross monthly income, run through the flat percentage-of-income guideline for the number of children. Courts also weigh the placement schedule (number of overnights), health insurance costs for the children, child care costs, other child support obligations, the serial family variable for children from other relationships, and high-income payer adjustments.
Is there a minimum income before child support applies in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin applies a low-income threshold of $1,550 per month. Below this gross income level, the court may deviate from the standard percentage-of-income guideline to avoid setting an obligation the paying parent cannot reasonably afford.
About This Calculator
Uses the official Wisconsin DCF 150 (Percentage of Income Standard) (2024 guidelines). Last verified: 2026-05-30.
Disclaimer: Estimates only, not legal advice. Actual amounts are set by Wisconsin courts. Full disclaimer.
Methodology: Percentage of Income model per Wisconsin DCF 150 (Percentage of Income Standard).