Free California Child Support Calculator
This California child support calculator applies the statewide guideline formula in Family Code 4055 to both parents' net income and parenting time. Results update as you type.
Estimate only, not legal advice. This calculator applies the published California rules to the numbers you enter. A judge can order a different amount, and the result depends on how income is proven in your case. Settle101 is not a law firm. For advice on your situation, talk to a family-law attorney, legal aid or your state's child support agency.
How California child support is calculated
- Net disposable income for each parent (Family Code 4059).
- TN = both parents' net income combined. HN = the higher earner's net income.
- H% = the higher earner's share of time with the children.
- K = (1 + H%) if H% is 50% or less, or (2 − H%) if more, times the income fraction below.
- CS = K × [HN − (H% × TN)], then times the multiplier for more than one child. A positive result is paid by the higher earner; a negative result by the lower earner.
| Total net income per month (TN) | Income fraction |
|---|---|
| $0 – $2,900 | 0.165 + TN ÷ 82,857 |
| $2,901 – $5,000 | 0.131 + TN ÷ 42,149 |
| $5,001 – $10,000 | 0.250 |
| $10,001 – $15,000 | 0.10 + 1,499 ÷ TN |
| Over $15,000 | 0.12 + 1,200 ÷ TN |
Worked example
Parent 1 nets $6,000 and parent 2 nets $2,000 a month; parent 1 has the child 20% of the time. TN is $8,000, so the fraction is 0.25 and K = 1.2 × 0.25 = 0.30. CS = 0.30 × ($6,000 − 20% × $8,000) = $1,320 a month, paid by parent 1. With two children it is $2,112.
California child support and parenting time
Parenting time is built into the formula itself. Each extra percentage point of time the higher earner spends with the children lowers support twice: K changes, and a larger share of combined income is treated as already spent on the children.
What this calculator does not include
- Working out net income from gross pay and California and federal taxes; enter net disposable income.
- Add-ons the court must or may order on top: child care for work or job training, uninsured health costs, and educational or travel costs (Family Code 4062).
- Hardship deductions, and any finding that the guideline amount is unjust (Family Code 4057).
- Different time-sharing for different children.
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Frequently asked questions
How is child support calculated in California?
California uses one statewide formula in Family Code section 4055: CS = K × [HN − (H% × TN)]. HN is the higher earner’s net income, TN is both parents’ net income combined, H% is the higher earner’s share of parenting time, and K is the share of income allocated to child support. The result is multiplied for more than one child.
What percentage of income is child support in California?
There is no single child support percentage in California. The K factor is about 25% of combined net income for families earning $5,001 to $10,000 a month, adjusted up or down for parenting time, then multiplied by 1.6 for two children, 2 for three and so on.
Does parenting time change California child support?
Yes, a lot. The more time the higher earner has with the children, the lower the support. If the higher earner has the children most of the time, the formula can turn negative, meaning the lower earner pays.
What is the low-income adjustment in California?
If the paying parent's net income is below full-time minimum wage ($2,929.33 a month at $16.90 an hour in 2026), the court presumes a reduction, up to a fraction set by Family Code 4055(b)(7).
Is this the same as the official California child support calculator?
The state’s official guideline calculator and court software use the same section 4055 formula, but also work out net income from gross pay and taxes. Enter net disposable income here; for a court filing, use the official calculator or DissoMaster output.