Start with the applicable state
Choose your child support calculator
Open a state tool to enter income and case details and see the result update. All three tools are free and show the math without requiring an account.
The correct jurisdiction matters. If parents or spouses live in different states, or an order already exists, confirm which rules apply before selecting a calculator.
How child support methods differ
Income, the number of children, parenting arrangements, and additional expenses do not enter every state’s calculation in the same way. These three examples show why choosing a jurisdiction comes before entering a number.
| State | Starting point | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| California | Both parents’ income and parenting time | Enter the required net disposable income; this tool does not calculate your tax liability. California Courts child support guidance |
| New York | Combined parental income and each parent’s share | The tool shows a CSSA guideline starting point and does not assume an above-cap award. New York Courts calculation explanation |
| Texas | A percentage of the paying parent’s net resources | Multiple-household adjustments and amounts based on above-cap proven needs require separate review. Texas Family Code Chapter 154 |
Gather the information behind the inputs
A useful estimate starts with records and clearly identified assumptions. If you are missing a figure, compare plausible scenarios and note which input still needs confirmation.
- Gather current pay statements, tax records, self-employment income, and information about other income sources.
- Record the number of children in this case and any existing support obligations. Read the selected tool’s treatment of other children.
- Have a realistic parenting schedule available. A schedule can affect the calculation differently across states.
- List child-care, health-insurance, and uninsured medical costs separately from ordinary living expenses.
- Use the selected state tool’s income definitions and allowed deductions. A gross salary and a paycheck deposit are different inputs.
Use the result to prepare your next questions
Save the income definitions, calculation date, assumptions, and items omitted from your estimate. Two results are easier to compare when they use the same records and cover the same expenses.
Read basic support separately from child-care and medical add-ons. The state calculator’s breakdown explains which entered expenses it includes and which adjustments need further review.
Support payments also differ from the one-time cost of the divorce. Use the divorce cost calculator to plan court fees, service, legal work, and other case expenses separately.
Find help in another state or with an existing order
Our calculators currently cover three states. For another state or a tribal case, USAGov links the agencies that can help establish, change, and enforce support. Its guidance also addresses parents living in different states or countries.
For information about how we research calculations and describe their limits, read our methodology and editorial standards.
Frequently asked questions
Is there one national child support formula?
Use the rules for the applicable jurisdiction. California, New York, and Texas use different income measures and calculation methods, so the same salary figures can produce different guideline estimates.
Are all 50 states available on this site?
Our own calculators currently cover California, New York, and Texas. For another state or a tribal case, use the linked government resources to find the relevant agency, guidelines, and official calculator.
Will a calculator change my existing order?
No. An estimate does not change an order. USAGov directs parents to their state or tribal child support agency for help establishing, reviewing, changing, or enforcing support.
Does the displayed amount include every child-related expense?
Read the breakdown in your state tool. Basic support, child care, insurance, and medical costs may appear separately, and some costs or adjustments are outside the tool’s scope.
Sources checked October 7, 2026
Official sources
- California Courts — Child support
Explains the California guideline’s income and parenting-time considerations and links the official calculator.
- New York Courts — How a court calculates child support
Explains combined parental income, child-count percentages, proportional shares, and separate expenses.
- Texas Family Code Chapter 154 — Child support
See §§154.125–154.129 for net-resource guidelines, additional resources, and multiple-household adjustments.
- USAGov — Get help with child support
Links state and tribal agencies for help with establishing, changing, or enforcing an order, including interstate cases.