Simulation

How Support Rises as Children Increase

At $5,000 monthly income in Texas, support is about $1,000 for one child (20%), $1,250 for two (25%), $1,500 for three (30%), $1,750 for four (35%), and $2,000 for five or more (40%). Each added child raises the percentage, so support grows faster than the child count - the fifth child adds 5 points, not a flat share. Other states follow the same stair-step pattern at different rates.

Results

Visualization

ChildSupportFig provides simplified estimates for educational purposes only. Child support is set by state courts under each state's guidelines and can deviate from any formula; these tools cover only the six Percentage-of-Income states (Alaska, Mississippi, Nevada, North Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin). Income definitions differ by state (Texas uses net resources, Mississippi adjusted gross, others generally gross), and many states add health insurance and childcare on top. This is not legal advice. Confirm the exact amount and current rules with your state child support agency or a family law attorney before relying on any number.

How It Works

We apply the state's percentage schedule for one through five children to your income. Each step up adds the next percentage point band, so total support is income times the percentage for that children count. The chart shows the stair-step increase.

What Should You Do?

Remember this is the base percentage only. Health insurance and childcare are usually added on top, and the percentage schedule is the same regardless of the receiving parent's income in these states. For a true order, run your state's official calculator with the correct income basis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does support grow faster than child count?

Each additional child adds percentage points (e.g., Texas 20 to 25 to 30), so the rate itself rises, not just the base.

Is five children really 40% in Texas?

Texas caps the statutory percentage at 40% for five or more children. Other states flatten at different points (Alaska holds at 33% for four and five).

Does this account for multiple households?

No. Prior support orders for other children are a deduction in some states (Wisconsin, for example). This tool models a single order.