Child Support Calculator

Estimate child support payments using the income shares model based on both parents' income and custody split.

By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated April 2026 · Source: HHS — Office of Child Support Services

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Total Annual Obligation

$37,600.00

Parent 1 Share

$27,072.00

Parent 2 Share

$12,032.00

Support Calculation

Combined Gross Income$100,000.00
Base Obligation Rate (2 children)28%
Base Support Obligation$28,000.00
+ Child Care Costs (annual)$6,000.00
+ Health Insurance (annual)$3,600.00
Total Obligation$37,600.00

Each Parent's Share

Parent 1 Income Share60.0%
Parent 1 Annual Obligation$27,072.00
Parent 1 Monthly$2,256.00
Parent 2 Income Share40.0%
Parent 2 Annual Obligation$12,032.00
Parent 2 Monthly$1,002.67
Per Child (annual)$18,800.00

Use the Child Support Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

Most US states size child support through the Income Shares Model, and the estimate here follows that approach for 2026. The premise is straightforward: a child should receive the same slice of combined parental income that the household would have devoted while the parents lived together. An early read on that number can anchor divorce negotiations, frame a mediation session, or simply help a parent plan a realistic budget.

Under the Income Shares Model, both parents' adjusted gross incomes are added together, and a state economic table converts that total into a basic support obligation. Each parent then shoulders a share of that obligation matching their portion of the combined income. The figure shifts further once you layer in health insurance premiums, childcare costs, and credits for substantial overnight parenting time.

Treat the result as a planning estimate rather than a court ruling, because a judge can land well above or below it after weighing the full record. Childcare expenses are the line most often underestimated, and incomes that swing month to month complicate any single snapshot. For numbers you can rely on in a filing, have a family law attorney in your jurisdiction run the calculation.

Example: 2026 Child Support Calculation for Two Children

  1. 1 Let's assume Parent A has an adjusted gross monthly income of $5,000 and Parent B has an adjusted gross monthly income of $3,000. They have two children. Monthly childcare costs are $800, and uninsured medical expenses are $150.
  2. 2 Combined adjusted monthly income is $8,000. Based on typical 2026 state guidelines for two children, the basic support obligation might be around $1,800. Parent A's income share is 62.5% ($5,000/$8,000) and Parent B's is 37.5% ($3,000/$8,000). Pro-rata share of childcare and medical expenses is added to the basic obligation. If Parent A is the primary custodial parent and pays all childcare and medical, Parent B's share of the total obligation is calculated, and then Parent A's direct payment of those expenses is credited.
  3. 3 After applying the income shares and expense adjustments, Parent B might be estimated to pay Parent A approximately $850 per month in child support. This figure accounts for Parent B's proportional share of the basic obligation, childcare, and medical expenses.
  4. 4 This estimated payment helps ensure the children maintain a similar standard of living as if both parents remained together. The final amount can be influenced by additional factors like extraordinary expenses, specific custody arrangements, or deviations allowed by the court based on individual circumstances.

Source: HHS — Office of Child Support Services · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How is child support calculated?
Most states use the income shares model, which estimates what parents would have spent on the child if they lived together, then divides that based on each parent's income share. Factors include gross income, number of children, custody arrangement, and healthcare/childcare costs.
Can child support be modified?
Yes. Either parent can request a modification if there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant income change (increase or decrease), job loss, change in custody arrangement, or changes in the child's needs.
At what age does child support end?
In most states, child support ends at age 18 or high school graduation (whichever comes later). Some states extend support to age 19-21 or through college. Court orders may specify different end dates based on individual circumstances.

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