Child Support Calculator
Estimate child support payments based on the Australian Child Support formula, considering both parents' incomes and care arrangements.
Parent 1 (You)
Shared care (14-35%)
Parent 2 (Other Parent)
Shared care (48-53%)
Children
Total children: 2
Please add at least one child to calculate child support.
How Child Support is Calculated
The 8-step formula:
- Calculate each parent's child support income (income − self-support amount of $31,046 for 2026)
- Add both incomes together to get combined child support income
- Work out each parent's income percentage
- Work out each parent's percentage of care
- Work out each parent's cost percentage (from care)
- Work out each parent's child support percentage (income % - cost %)
- Calculate the costs of children based on combined income
- Calculate each parent's share of the costs
This calculator provides estimates. Use the official Services Australia Child Support Estimator for accurate calculations.
How Child Support is Calculated in Australia
Child support in Australia is calculated using a formula that considers both parents' incomes, the care arrangement, and the costs of raising children. Services Australia (Child Support) administers the scheme.
The Child Support Formula
The formula follows 8 steps:
- Calculate Child Support Income: Each parent's taxable income minus the self-support amount ($31,046 for the 2026 child support year)
- Combined Income: Add both parents' child support incomes together
- Income Percentage: Each parent's share of combined income
- Care Percentage: Based on nights per year with each parent
- Cost Percentage: Derived from care percentage
- Child Support Percentage: Income percentage minus cost percentage
- Costs of Children: Based on combined income and children's ages
- Payment Amount: Each parent's share of child costs
Care Levels
| Nights Per Year | Care Level | Care % |
|---|---|---|
| 0-51 nights | Below regular | 0% |
| 52-127 nights | Regular care | 14% |
| 128-175 nights | Shared care | 35% |
| 176-222 nights | Shared care | 48% |
| 223-237 nights | Shared care | 53% |
| 238+ nights | Primary care | 65-100% |
Important Considerations
- The self-support amount is adjusted annually
- Children aged 13+ have higher costs in the formula
- Multiple child situations use adjusted rates
- Income caps apply ($194,606 combined in 2026 — 2.5× MTAWE annualised)
- Private agreements can differ from the formula
Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates only. For accurate assessments, use the official Services Australia Child Support Estimator or contact Services Australia directly.