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TexasPercentage of Income ModelTexas GuidelinesFree · 2026

Texas Child Support Calculator 2026

Estimate child support under Texas Family Code § 154.125 (varying % of net resources) using the Percentage of Income Model. Based on the paying parent's income and number of children.

1Enter both parents' gross monthly income
2Set number of children & custody %
3Add health insurance, childcare, extras

By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2026

Estimates only — not legal advice. Courts make final determinations. Consult a family law attorney.

Child Support Calculator

Enter details to estimate payments

1Location

State-specific guidelines apply. Calculations may vary by state.

2Number of Children
child
3Gross Monthly Income
A
$
B
$
4Parenting Time
A70%·B30%
%

Parent A's custody %. Parent B calculated automatically.

5Who Pays Support?

Texas · % of Income

Estimated Child Support

$600
per month
$7,200
per year
Parent B pays·1 child·20.0% of payer income·Combined $8,000/mo

Weekly

$138

Biweekly

$277

Monthly

$600

Annual

$7,200

Income & custody split

Parent A — $5,000/mo62.5%
Parent B — $3,000/mo37.5%
Parent A custodyParent B custody
70%30%

Calculation breakdown

Base Support$600
Monthly Support$600

State details

Income Cap$11,700/mo
Typical range$510 – $690

Guideline: Texas Family Code § 154.125 (varying % of net resources)

Updated: September 2025 · Official source

Recalculate if income changes by about 15–20% or more.

Shared custody can lower the paying parent's obligation.

This is an estimate only — courts make the final order.

Child support is generally not tax deductible or taxable income.

Add-ons like childcare, insurance, or medical costs can raise the total.

High-income cases above guideline caps often use court discretion.

Verify amounts with the official calculator for your location.

Consider a family law professional before relying on any estimate.

Estimate only — not a court order.

Texas child support — key facts

  • FormulaPercentage of Income Model
  • Guideline referenceTexas Family Code § 154.125 (varying % of net resources)
  • Income cap$11,700/month
  • Guidelines last updatedSeptember 2025

Example: $5,000 + $3,000 income, 2 kids, 70/30 custody

Combined income$8,000
Parent A share62.5%
Parent B share37.5%
Monthly support$750
Annual support$9,000

Estimate only. Excludes health insurance, childcare, and other adjustments.

Other countries

🇨🇦 Canada
Federal Guidelines
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
CMS Formula
🇦🇺 Australia
8-Step Formula
🇳🇿 New Zealand
IRD Formula

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Texas Paycheck CalculatorChild Support — all statesDivorce Settlement CalculatorW-4 Withholding Assistant

How child support is calculated in Texas

Texas uses the Percentage of Income Model, which bases child support on a percentage of the paying parent's income. Only the paying parent's income is used — the receiving parent's income is not considered in the base formula.

20%
1 child
25%
2 children
30%
3 children
35%
4 children
40%
5+ children

Of monthly net resources (gross minus taxes, SS, health insurance), capped at $11,700/month (effective Sept 1, 2025). For net resources under $1,000/month, lower rates apply. Source: TFC § 154.125.

Income cap: Texas applies an income cap of $11,700/month for guideline calculations. Income above this cap may be addressed separately by the court.

Shared custody, parenting time credits, and when to modify

Custody percentage has a direct impact on child support in Texas. As the non-custodial parent's time with the child increases, their direct child-rearing costs increase — and the support obligation is adjusted downward accordingly. Most states, including Texas, apply a parenting time credit or schedule adjustment when custody approaches or exceeds a certain threshold.

Modifications to existing orders in Texas generally require a "substantial change in circumstances" — typically a 10–20% change in income, a significant change in custody time, or a major change in the child's needs. Courts don't automatically update orders; either parent must file a motion. Use this calculator to model what a new order might look like before filing.

Income change
A raise, job loss, or new income source of 10%+ typically justifies a review.
Custody change
Moving from 30% to 50% parenting time substantially changes the calculation.
New child
Additional children in either household can affect support under income shares models.
Child's needs
Significant new medical, educational, or other costs may justify an upward modification.

Frequently asked questions — Texas

Texas uses the Percentage of Income Model: 20% for 1 child, 25% for 2, 30% for 3, 35% for 4, 40% for 5+ children — applied to the paying parent's monthly net resources (not gross income), capped at $11,700/month (effective September 1, 2025). For net resources under $1,000/month, lower rates (15/20/25/30/35%) apply. Per Texas Family Code § 154.125 (varying % of net resources).

Both parents' gross monthly income (primarily the paying parent's), number of children, custody/parenting time percentage, health insurance premiums for the children, childcare costs, extraordinary medical expenses, existing child support obligations for other children, and number of other dependents. Texas has an income cap of $11,700/month for guideline calculations.

Gross income typically includes wages, salary, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, dividends, interest, rental income, pension/retirement distributions, and Social Security income. Courts may also impute income if a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed. Enter gross monthly income — not net take-home — in the calculator.

Yes. A substantial change in circumstances — typically a 10%+ income change, change in custody, or change in the child's needs — can support a modification petition. Either parent can file with the Texas family court. Some states also have periodic review programs through the child support enforcement agency.

Courts may deviate downward for very low-income parents or unusual circumstances, but there is generally a baseline to ensure children receive some support. Guideline per Texas Family Code § 154.125 (varying % of net resources).

Texas enforces child support through wage garnishment, bank account levies, tax refund interception, passport denial/revocation, driver's license suspension, and credit bureau reporting for non-payment. The state's child support enforcement agency (IV-D program) can assist with enforcement at no cost to the custodial parent.

Child support calculators — other states

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Official sources — Texas

Texas Child Support Agency
Contact your state child support enforcement office
Office of Child Support Services (OCSS)
Federal child support resources — HHS

Texas uses a percentage of monthly NET resources (not gross income): 20/25/30/35/40% for 1-5+ children, capped at $11,700/month net resources (effective Sept 2025). This calculator approximates using gross income — actual amounts will differ. For income under $1,000/month net resources, lower percentages (15/20/25/30/35%) apply. Use the official TX OAG calculator for precise results.