Wisconsin Child Support Calculator
2026Estimate child support payments in Wisconsin. Calculate expected WI child support obligations based on income, custody arrangement, and number of children using Wisconsin guidelines.
Written and reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Methodology · Updated
Wisconsin statutory rates: Wisconsin uses 17% (1), 25% (2), 29% (3), 31% (4), 34% (5+) of the non-custodial parent's gross income. The calculator below uses generic Income Shares percentages and may not exactly match Wisconsin's schedule — use it for ballparking, then run the official Wisconsin guideline worksheet for any binding figure.
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 Share | 60.0% |
| Parent 1 Annual Obligation | $27,072.00 |
| Parent 1 Monthly | $2,256.00 |
| Parent 2 Income Share | 40.0% |
| Parent 2 Annual Obligation | $12,032.00 |
| Parent 2 Monthly | $1,002.67 |
| Per Child (annual) | $18,800.00 |
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 is child support calculated in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin applies a percentage-of-obligor-income model. The non-custodial parent typically pays a set percentage of gross or net income that scales with the number of children, and the exact percentages vary by state — see the statutory rates listed above for Wisconsin. The custodial parent's income is generally not factored.
The calculation typically adjusts for: (1) work-related childcare, (2) the child's portion of health-insurance premiums, (3) extraordinary medical expenses, and (4) parenting time when overnights cross a state-defined threshold (e.g., 20%–40% depending on jurisdiction). Pre-existing support orders for other children, alimony paid, and mandatory retirement contributions also reduce gross income before the formula applies.
Guideline figures are presumptive — judges may deviate upward or downward when applying them would be unjust given the child's needs, the parents' resources, or other relevant factors. Wisconsin courts retain final discretion. Always confirm the current guideline tables and worksheet with the Wisconsin child support agency or family court.
Wisconsin child support: model, official calculator, enforcement agency
- Guidelines model
- Percentage of Obligor Income
- Official calculator
- Wisconsin DCF Percentage Standard Calculator
Wisconsin is one of just six remaining states using the Percentage of Obligor Income model (under Wis. Stat. ch. DCF 150): 17% of gross income for one child, 25% for two, 29% for three, 31% for four, 34% for five+. Wisconsin has a "shared placement" formula (at least 25% overnights) and a "split placement" formula (when each parent has primary custody of different children). The Bureau of Child Support within DCF administers approximately 320,000 cases.
Wisconsin Key Rates & Limits (2026)
| State Income Tax | progressive (up to 7.6%) |
| State Sales Tax | 5% |
| Minimum Wage | $7.25/hr |
Wisconsin child support — 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.