50 STATES • 2026 GUIDELINES • OFFICIAL MODELS
Child Support Percentage
by State 2026
All 50 States + Calculator Links
Child support percentage 2026 varies by state. Therefore, every state uses income shares, percentage of income, or Melson formula to set the amount. For example, you can find your state in the table below, see the official model, and open a free calculator. In addition, this guide is updated with Texas $11,700 cap and California K-factor.
- ✓10 States Live – TX, CA, FL, NY, OH, IL, GA, NC, MI, PA
- ✓40 States Covered – official model and source
- ✓2026 Verified – Texas $11,700 cap
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Child support percentage 2026 depends on your state’s guideline model. In general, there are three types: Income Shares (40 states), Percentage of Income (11 states like Texas and Wisconsin), or Melson Formula (Delaware, Hawaii, Montana). However, the base amount is then adjusted for custody time, healthcare, and childcare. So you can use the table below to find your state’s approach.
How child support is calculated across the U.S.
Although every state has its own formula, all of them fit into three national models. Moreover, understanding your state’s model helps you estimate more accurately.
40 STATES
Income Shares Model
This model is used by California, Florida, New York, Ohio, and 36 others. First, it combines both parents’ incomes. Then, it estimates what the couple would have spent if the family stayed together. As a result, each parent pays a proportional share. Because of this, it is sensitive to changes in either parent’s earnings.
11 STATES
Percentage of Income Model
In contrast, Texas and Wisconsin use a fixed percentage of only the paying parent’s income. For example, Texas is 20% for one child up to $11,700 cap in 2026. Similarly, Wisconsin is 17% for one child. Therefore, the receiving parent’s income is not factored in.
3 STATES
Melson Formula
Finally, Delaware, Hawaii, and Montana use the Melson approach. Initially, it reserves a minimum amount for each parent to cover basic needs. After that, the remaining income is split proportionally for the children. Consequently, it tends to produce lower amounts for low-income parents.
Child support percentage 2026 – Full table
Below is the complete list sorted alphabetically. In addition, 10 states have live calculators (green links). The other 40 show the official model.
States A – M: Alabama to Montana
| State | Model | Formula | Calculator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | INCOME SHARES | Combined income schedule | Guide Soon |
| Alaska | PERCENTAGE | 20% 1 child, 27% 2, 33% 3 | Guide Soon |
| Arizona | INCOME SHARES | Schedule + parenting time credit | Guide Soon |
| Arkansas | PERCENTAGE | Varies by income – Rule 10 | Guide Soon |
| California | INCOME SHARES | K-factor + timeshare, no cap | ✅ Open CA → |
| Colorado | INCOME SHARES | Combined schedule | Guide Soon |
| Connecticut | INCOME SHARES | Schedule + deviation | Guide Soon |
| Delaware | MELSON | Melson Formula | Guide Soon |
| Florida | INCOME SHARES | Income >$10k: 5% 1 child | ✅ Open FL → |
| Georgia | INCOME SHARES | Combined schedule | ✅ Open GA → |
| Hawaii | MELSON | Melson Formula | Guide Soon |
| Idaho | INCOME SHARES | Schedule | Guide Soon |
| Illinois | INCOME SHARES | Parenting time adjustment | ✅ Open IL → |
| Indiana | INCOME SHARES | Schedule + credit | Guide Soon |
| Iowa | INCOME SHARES | Schedule | Guide Soon |
| Kansas | INCOME SHARES | Schedule | Guide Soon |
| Kentucky | INCOME SHARES | Schedule | Guide Soon |
| Louisiana | INCOME SHARES | Schedule | Guide Soon |
| Maine | INCOME SHARES | Schedule | Guide Soon |
| Maryland | INCOME SHARES | Schedule | Guide Soon |
| Massachusetts | PERCENTAGE | % of obligor | Guide Soon |
| Michigan | INCOME SHARES | MCSF formula | ✅ Open MI → |
| Minnesota | INCOME SHARES | Schedule | Guide Soon |
| Mississippi | PERCENTAGE | 14% 1 child, 20% 2 | Guide Soon |
| Missouri | INCOME SHARES | Schedule + Form 14 | Guide Soon |
| Montana | MELSON | Melson Formula | Guide Soon |
States N – W: Nebraska to Wyoming
In this section, you will find the remaining states. Furthermore, these states also follow similar guidelines with some local adjustments.
| State | Model | Formula | Calculator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | INCOME SHARES | Schedule + worksheets | Guide Soon |
| Nevada | PERCENTAGE | 16% 1 child, 22% 2 | Guide Soon |
| New Hampshire | INCOME SHARES | Schedule Chapter 485-C | Guide Soon |
| New Jersey | INCOME SHARES | Schedule + worksheets | Guide Soon |
| New Mexico | INCOME SHARES | Schedule | Guide Soon |
| New York | INCOME SHARES | 17% 1 child, 25% 2, 29% 3 | ✅ Open NY → |
| North Carolina | INCOME SHARES | Worksheet A/B/C, 123 nights | ✅ Open NC → |
| North Dakota | PERCENTAGE | % of obligor | Guide Soon |
| Ohio | INCOME SHARES | 90 nights 10% off, 147 shared | ✅ Open OH → |
| Oklahoma | INCOME SHARES | Schedule | Guide Soon |
| Oregon | INCOME SHARES | Schedule | Guide Soon |
| Pennsylvania | INCOME SHARES | Schedule, $30k+ high-income | ✅ Open PA → |
| Rhode Island | INCOME SHARES | Schedule | Guide Soon |
| South Carolina | INCOME SHARES | Schedule | Guide Soon |
| South Dakota | INCOME SHARES | Schedule | Guide Soon |
| Tennessee | INCOME SHARES | Schedule + worksheets | Guide Soon |
| Texas | PERCENTAGE | 20% 1 child up to $11,700 cap | ✅ Open TX → |
| Utah | INCOME SHARES | Schedule | Guide Soon |
| Vermont | INCOME SHARES | Schedule | Guide Soon |
| Virginia | INCOME SHARES | Schedule | Guide Soon |
| Washington | INCOME SHARES | Schedule | Guide Soon |
| West Virginia | INCOME SHARES | Schedule | Guide Soon |
| Wisconsin | PERCENTAGE | 17% 1 child, 25% 2, 29% 3 | Guide Soon |
| Wyoming | INCOME SHARES | Schedule | Guide Soon |
What counts as income for support calculations
Generally, states cast a wide net when defining income. However, most parents are surprised by what is included. Below is a quick overview to help you understand.
✅ Typically Included
- Wages, salary, and self-employment income
- Bonuses and commissions (averaged over 12-24 months)
- Gig earnings after mileage deduction
- Social Security, disability, and VA benefits
- Rental and investment income
❌ Typically Excluded
- SSI, SNAP, and other means-tested benefits
- Support received for another child
- Stepparent income (unless deviation applies)
- Occasional gifts or inheritance
Factors that can change the final amount
While the table shows base rates, courts often adjust the amount based on several additional factors. Therefore, your actual order may differ.
Parenting Time
For instance, more overnights usually means lower support. In Texas, there is no credit. In contrast, Florida provides a gross-up at 73 nights, and Ohio gives 10% off at 90 nights.
Healthcare & Childcare
Similarly, courts add health insurance premiums and work-related childcare on top of the base. As a result, each parent pays a proportional share of these add-ons.
Other Considerations
On the other hand, if a parent is voluntarily unemployed, the court may impute income based on earning capacity. Consequently, this cannot be captured in a calculator and may require legal advice.
Common questions about state percentages
How accurate is this table for 2026?
Overall, the table is based on official state guidelines and OAG sources. For example, Texas cap is $11,700 effective Sep 1, 2025. Nevertheless, it is an educational estimate, and courts may deviate.
Which states use percentage model versus income shares?
Currently, Texas and Wisconsin use percentage model, while 40 states including California and Florida use income shares. In addition, Delaware, Hawaii, and Montana use Melson formula.
Does 50/50 custody mean no support?
Not necessarily. Even with equal time, support may still be ordered based on incomes. For instance, Ohio uses an offset at 147 nights, whereas Florida applies a gross-up.
What income is counted?
Typically, wages, self-employment, bonuses, gig income, and benefits are included. However, SSI and SNAP are usually excluded.
How long does support last?
In most states, it continues until 18 or high school graduation. Meanwhile, Texas ends at 18 or graduation, while New York continues until 21.
Is child support taxable?
No, it is neither taxable for the receiver nor deductible for the payer under current federal law.
Which calculator if parents live in different states?
Under UIFSA, the original state keeps jurisdiction if one parent remains there. Therefore, you should use the issuing state’s calculator. You can also read our Interstate Guide for more details.
Ready to calculate? 10 States Live – 2026 Verified
Texas $11,700 cap, California K-factor, Florida 73 nights gross-up, Ohio 90 nights 10% off. Private, no data stored.
Official sources
- Texas OAG Official Calculator – $11,700 cap 2026 – Official Texas source
- World Population Review – Child Support Percentage by State 2026 – National comparison
- California Courts Self-Help – Child Support
References – 2026 Verified
1. Texas OAG – $11,700 cap effective Sep 1, 2025
2. WorldPopulationReview
3. HelloDivorce – 50 States Calculator
SupportCalcUSA.com provides estimates only and is not legal advice. See Disclaimer. Updated 2026.