How Much Is Child Support? (2026)
Enter your income below to estimate your child support payments. Select your state for an accurate calculation based on official guidelines, or compare all 50 states at once.
How Much Is Child Support?
Enter your income to estimate child support in any state
Optional for Percentage of Income states (TX, MS, WI, AK)
Child Support Amounts by Income Level (2026)
Child support payments in the United States vary significantly by state and income level. Here are typical monthly estimates for 1 child based on common income levels:
| Annual Income | Weekly | Typical Range (1 child) | TX Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | ~$577 | $300 - $600/mo | ~$417/mo |
| $40,000 | ~$769 | $400 - $800/mo | ~$556/mo |
| $50,000 | ~$962 | $500 - $1,000/mo | ~$694/mo |
| $52,000 ($1K/wk) | $1,000 | $520 - $1,050/mo | ~$722/mo |
| $60,000 | ~$1,154 | $600 - $1,200/mo | ~$833/mo |
| $70,000 | ~$1,346 | $700 - $1,400/mo | ~$972/mo |
| $80,000 | ~$1,538 | $800 - $1,500/mo | ~$1,111/mo |
| $100,000 | ~$1,923 | $1,000 - $1,800/mo | ~$1,389/mo |
TX examples use the Texas Percentage of Income model (20% of net resources for 1 child). Ranges reflect variation across states using different models. Actual amounts depend on state, both parents' incomes (in Income Shares states), custody arrangement, and other factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I make $1,000 a week, how much child support do I pay?
At $1,000 per week ($52,000/year or approximately $4,333/month), child support for 1 child typically ranges from $520 to $1,050 per month depending on your state.
In Texas, which uses the Percentage of Income model, you would pay approximately 20% of your net resources, or about $722/month for 1 child.
In Income Shares states like Ohio, Illinois, or Florida, the amount depends on both parents' incomes. If you earn $4,333/month and the other parent earns $3,000/month, your payment would typically be $400-$700/month for 1 child.
For 2 children at $1,000/week, expect to pay approximately $650-$1,300/month depending on your state.
If I make $60,000 a year, how much child support do I pay?
At $60,000 per year ($5,000/month gross), child support for 1 child typically ranges from $600 to $1,200 per month.
In Texas: approximately $833/month (20% of net resources). In California, Ohio, or Florida, the amount depends on the other parent's income and can range from $500-$1,100/month for 1 child.
For 2 children at $60,000/year, typical payments range from $800 to $1,500/month.
If I make $100,000 a year, how much child support do I pay?
At $100,000 per year ($8,333/month gross), child support for 1 child typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,800 per month.
In Texas: approximately $1,389/month (20% of net resources, but note the $9,200/month cap on net resources). In Income Shares states, the amount depends significantly on the other parent's income.
At this income level, many states' guidelines schedules begin to flatten, meaning the percentage allocated to child support decreases slightly at higher incomes.
How is child support calculated?
Child support is calculated using one of three models, depending on your state:
- Income Shares Model (most states): Both parents' incomes are combined. The total child support obligation is determined from a state schedule, then divided proportionally based on each parent's share of the combined income.
- Percentage of Income Model (Texas, Mississippi, Wisconsin, Alaska): A flat percentage of the non-custodial parent's income is applied. In Texas: 20% for 1 child, 25% for 2, 30% for 3.
- Melson Formula (Delaware, Hawaii, Montana): Each parent retains a self-support allowance, then the child's primary needs are calculated and shared proportionally.
All models may adjust for health insurance, child care costs, and the custody/parenting time arrangement.
How much child support for 2 kids?
Child support for 2 children is typically 25-50% higher than for 1 child at the same income level.
In Texas, the guideline is 25% of net resources for 2 children (vs. 20% for 1 child). In Income Shares states, the schedule provides higher obligations for 2 children. For example, at $8,000 combined monthly income in Ohio, the obligation is approximately $1,170/month for 2 children vs. $843/month for 1 child.
The increase per additional child diminishes: going from 1 to 2 children adds the most, while going from 4 to 5 children adds relatively less.
What percentage of income goes to child support?
The percentage of income allocated to child support varies by state and model:
- Texas: 20% for 1 child, 25% for 2, 30% for 3, 35% for 4, 40% for 5+
- Wisconsin: 17% for 1 child, 25% for 2, 29% for 3, 31% for 4, 34% for 5+
- Mississippi: 14% for 1 child, 20% for 2, 22% for 3, 24% for 4, 26% for 5+
- Income Shares states: Effective rates typically range from 15-25% of the non-custodial parent's income for 1 child, depending on income level and the other parent's earnings.
How Child Support Is Calculated in the United States
Child support in the United States is determined by state law, and each state uses its own formula. However, all states follow one of three basic models established by federal guidelines.
The Three Models Explained
The Income Shares Model, used by the majority of states, estimates how much parents would spend on their children if the family were intact. Both parents' incomes are combined, a base obligation is determined from a schedule, and each parent pays their proportional share. This is considered the most equitable model because it accounts for both parents' financial situations.
The Percentage of Income Model, used by Texas, Mississippi, Wisconsin, and Alaska, is simpler. A flat percentage of the non-custodial parent's income is applied based on the number of children. The custodial parent's income is not directly factored into the formula.
The Melson Formula, used by Delaware, Hawaii, and Montana, adds an extra step: it first ensures each parent retains enough income for their own basic needs (a "self-support allowance"), then calculates the child's primary support need, and finally applies a standard of living adjustment from any remaining income.
Factors That Affect Child Support
Regardless of the model, these factors typically influence the child support amount:
- Income - The primary driver. Higher income generally means higher support.
- Number of children - More children increase the obligation, but not linearly.
- Custody arrangement - Shared custody (50/50 or close to it) often reduces the obligation.
- Health insurance - The cost of covering children is typically shared.
- Child care costs - Work-related child care is usually added and divided proportionally.
- Other support obligations - Support for children from other relationships may reduce the obligation.
Calculate Child Support by State
For the most accurate estimate, use the calculator for your specific state:
Disclaimer: The estimates provided by this calculator are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Actual child support amounts are determined by courts and may differ based on factors not included here. Child support laws change frequently; always verify with your state's official guidelines. For legal advice about your specific situation, consult a family law attorney.