How child support is calculated in Wisconsin

The formula, the official tool, and the rules for low incomes and health insurance.

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

Wisconsin figures child support as a percentage of the paying parent's income: 17% for 1 child, 25% for 2 and 29% for 3. Support is based on a set percentage of each paying parent's gross monthly income (or ability to earn).

Model
Percentage of income
1 child
17%
Official calculator
Official Wisconsin child support calculator

Wisconsin guideline estimate

Enter the income and the number of children. We apply Wisconsin'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 before taxes, per month.

Enter the income and the number of children

What goes into support in Wisconsin

Support is based on a set percentage of each paying parent's gross monthly income (or ability to earn). When both parents have the child at least 25% of the time (92 days a year), the shared-placement formula is the main method. Special rules apply for split placement, parents supporting more than one family, and low or high incomes.

Law: Wis. Admin. Code ch. DCF 150; Wis. Stat. 767.511

1 child 17%, 2 children 25%, 3 children 29%, 4 children 31%, 5 or more children 34% of income

Medical support in Wisconsin

Orders must address medical support if a parent's income is above 150% of the federal poverty level. A parent can be ordered to add the children to job-based insurance if the cost is not more than 10% of that parent's monthly income (or another amount the court sets); the court can also order a parent to pay a share of uninsured medical costs, including birth costs in some cases. (DCF Medical Support Orders)

The model in plain words

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

If the paying parent earns little in Wisconsin

If the paying parent's income is between 75% and 150% of the federal poverty level, the court may use the low-income payer table, which sets lower amounts.

Law: DCF 150 Appendix C

Source: DCF Tools page

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

Steps to a support amount in Wisconsin

  1. Gather income papers

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

  2. Run the official numbers

    Get the guideline amount from Official Wisconsin child support calculator.

  3. Add the extra costs

    The child's health insurance and child care costs can change the amount.

  4. Get an order

    The agency can set up an order: contact Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF), Bureau of Child Support (1-800-991-5530) · Apply online

Free help in Wisconsin

Questions about the Wisconsin guidelines

What formula does Wisconsin use for child support?

Support is based on a set percentage of each paying parent's gross monthly income (or ability to earn). When both parents have the child at least 25% of the time (92 days a year), the shared-placement formula is the main method. Special rules apply for split placement, parents supporting more than one family, and low or high incomes.

What are the Wisconsin child support percentages?

1 child 17%, 2 children 25%, 3 children 29%, 4 children 31%, 5 or more children 34% of income

Does Wisconsin have an online support calculator?

Yes: Official Wisconsin child support calculator.

How does Wisconsin treat low incomes?

If the paying parent's income is between 75% and 150% of the federal poverty level, the court may use the low-income payer table, which sets lower amounts.

Is health insurance part of child support in Wisconsin?

Orders must address medical support if a parent's income is above 150% of the federal poverty level. A parent can be ordered to add the children to job-based insurance if the cost is not more than 10% of that parent's monthly income (or another amount the court sets); the court can also order a parent to pay a share of uninsured medical costs, including birth costs in some cases. (DCF Medical Support Orders)

Keep reading about Wisconsin

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources
Estimate support