How Texas child support is calculated
Texas courts start with guideline child support under Chapter 154 of the Texas Family Code. The first step is the paying parent's monthly net resources: wages, self-employment income and most other income, minus Social Security, Medicare, federal income tax (figured as a single filer), union dues, and what that parent pays for the children's health and dental insurance. The guideline percentage is then applied:
| Children in the case | Percentage of net resources | Maximum at the $11,700 cap |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 20% | $2,340 |
| 2 | 25% | $2,925 |
| 3 | 30% | $3,510 |
| 4 | 35% | $4,095 |
| 5 | 40% | $4,680 |
| 6 or more | Not less than 40% | Not less than $4,680 |
- The cap: since September 1, 2025, the guideline percentages apply to the first $11,700 of monthly net resources (up from $9,200). Above that, a court can order more only if the child's proven needs require it.
- Other children: if the paying parent also supports children in another household, lower percentages apply. The calculator uses the multiple-family tables.
- Low income: when net resources are under $1,000 a month, Texas uses lower percentages, and the calculator applies them automatically.
- Medical and dental support: the paying parent is also ordered to provide health and dental insurance for the children or pay for it, in addition to child support.
When a court may order a different amount
The guidelines are presumed reasonable, but a judge can go above or below them if applying them would be unjust or inappropriate. Factors include the child's age and needs, child care and extraordinary medical or educational expenses, each parent's ability to contribute, and the amount of time the child spends with each parent. Courts can also look at earning potential when a parent is intentionally unemployed or underemployed.
Changing an existing order
Your order doesn't change automatically when income changes, or when the cap went up. A parent can ask to modify support after a material and substantial change in circumstances, or if three years have passed since the last order and the guideline amount would differ by at least 20% or $100 a month. See San Marcos child support lawyer and modifications and enforcement.
Already have an order? Kindline, a free co-parenting app, can track shared expenses and reimbursements on a record both parents can see.
This calculator gives an estimate for information only, based on the Texas guidelines and the Texas Attorney General's 2026 tax charts. It isn't legal advice, and a court's order may differ. Nothing you enter is sent to us or stored.