How child support is calculated in Texas

What decides the amount, where to get the real number, and the extra rules.

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

Texas figures child support as a percentage of the paying parent's income: 20% for 1 child, 25% for 2 and 30% for 3. Support is a set percentage of the paying parent's monthly net resources (income after Social Security and federal income tax, plus other allowed deductions).

Model
Percentage of income
1 child
20%
Official calculator
Official Texas child support calculator

Texas guideline estimate

Enter the income and the number of children. We apply Texas's guideline percentage. It is a starting point, not the amount a court or agency will order.

The numbers are worked out in your browser. Nothing you enter here is saved or sent.

Income after Social Security and federal income tax, plus other allowed deductions.

Enter the income and the number of children

What goes into support in Texas

Support is a set percentage of the paying parent's monthly net resources (income after Social Security and federal income tax, plus other allowed deductions). The percentages apply to net resources up to a cap; above the cap the court can add more based on the child's proven needs.

Law: Tex. Fam. Code 154.061-154.062, 154.125, 154.126, 154.129

1 child 20%, 2 children 25%, 3 children 30%, 4 children 35%, 5 children 40%, 6 or more not less than the 5-child amount. Applies to monthly net resources up to $11,700 (cap effective Sept. 1, 2025). Different percentages apply if the parent also supports children in another household.

Law: Tex. Fam. Code 154.129

Health insurance in Texas

The court must order health insurance for the child. Priority goes to insurance through a parent's job at reasonable cost. If none is available, the paying parent pays cash medical support of up to 9% of annual resources, on top of regular support. Dental coverage can also be ordered.

Law: Tex. Fam. Code 154.182, 154.1825

What the model means

Percentage-of-income states start with one number: a share of income for each family size. Health insurance, child care and other rules can change the result.

Every state must have one set of child support guidelines, review them at least every 4 years, and use the guideline amount unless a written finding says it would be unjust.

Law: 45 CFR 302.56

Low incomes in Texas

If the paying parent's monthly net resources are under $1,000, a lower schedule applies: 1 child 15%, 2 children 20%, 3 children 25%, 4 children 30%, 5 children 35%.

Law: Tex. Fam. Code 154.125(c)

State guidelines may not treat time in jail or prison as choosing not to work, when support is set or changed.

Law: 45 CFR 302.56(c)(3)

In nearby states

  • Mississippi: Percentage of income · 1 child 14%
  • Alaska: Percentage of income · 1 child 20%
  • Wisconsin: Percentage of income · 1 child 17%
  • Nevada: Percentage of income · 1 child 16%

From income to an order in Texas

  1. Gather income papers

    Recent pay stubs and last year's tax return are the usual starting point.

  2. Check the official calculator

    The state's own tool gives the starting number: Official Texas child support calculator.

  3. Include other costs

    Insurance and child care often go on top of the basic amount.

  4. Get an order

    Only a court or the agency can set the amount. Open a case with Office of the Attorney General of Texas, Child Support Division ((800) 252-8014) · Apply online

Where to get free help in Texas

Questions about the Texas guidelines

How is child support calculated in Texas?

Support is a set percentage of the paying parent's monthly net resources (income after Social Security and federal income tax, plus other allowed deductions). The percentages apply to net resources up to a cap; above the cap the court can add more based on the child's proven needs.

What are the Texas child support percentages?

1 child 20%, 2 children 25%, 3 children 30%, 4 children 35%, 5 children 40%, 6 or more not less than the 5-child amount. Applies to monthly net resources up to $11,700 (cap effective Sept. 1, 2025). Different percentages apply if the parent also supports children in another household.

Where is the Texas child support calculator?

Yes: Official Texas child support calculator.

What if the paying parent has a low income in Texas?

If the paying parent's monthly net resources are under $1,000, a lower schedule applies: 1 child 15%, 2 children 20%, 3 children 25%, 4 children 30%, 5 children 35%.

How are medical costs shared in Texas?

The court must order health insurance for the child. Priority goes to insurance through a parent's job at reasonable cost. If none is available, the paying parent pays cash medical support of up to 9% of annual resources, on top of regular support. Dental coverage can also be ordered.

More for Texas

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources
Estimate support