Washington Child Support Calculator (2026)
Washington calculates child support under income-shares guidelines (RCW 26.19.020 (Economic Table); RCW 26.19.065 (limitations/self-support reserve)). Estimate the guideline amount below.
Income basis: combined monthly net income of both parents.
Enter the income above to see the guideline estimate.
Simplified guideline estimate, interpolated from the official schedule — before health-insurance, childcare, and parenting-time adjustments. For the exact figure use the official Washington calculator.
Your Case Details
Answer a few questions to see your estimated range.
Approximate gap between higher-earner and lower-earner.
Estimated Monthly Support
$840 — $1,560
State formulas vary significantly. This estimate uses national averages — your state's guidelines may produce a different number.
Editorially Reviewed — Content reviewed for accuracy using published legal research, government data, and verified court records. See our methodology
Reviewed by Leonard Goldberg, Editor · Last updated
Washington uses the income-shares model: both parents' incomes are combined, the official schedule sets a basic support obligation, and each parent owes their proportional share (RCW 26.19.020 (Economic Table); RCW 26.19.065 (limitations/self-support reserve)). The calculator above interpolates the official schedule for a quick estimate — health-insurance, child-care, and parenting-time adjustments come on top.
How Washington Calculates Child Support
Washington uses the income shares model via the Economic Table in RCW 26.19.020: for the parents' combined monthly net income and number of children, the table yields a basic support obligation per child; each parent pays the share matching their share of the combined net income (worksheet per RCW 26.19.080). The table was fundamentally revised by 2025 c 272 (Engrossed House Bill 1014), effective January 1, 2026: the income range was extended from $1,000–$12,000 to $2,200–$50,000 combined monthly net income, and the self-support reserve was raised from 125% to 180% of the one-person federal poverty guideline.
Statutory basis: RCW 26.19.020 (Economic Table); RCW 26.19.065 (limitations/self-support reserve). Exact figure: official Washington calculator.
Official Schedule — Excerpt
Basic support obligation at selected combined incomes (combined monthly net income of both parents), from the official Washington schedule:
| Combined income | 1 child | 2 children | 3 children |
|---|---|---|---|
| $3,300 | $718 | $1,100 | $1,332 |
| $5,000 | $951 | $1,446 | $1,740 |
| $7,500 | $1,222 | $1,850 | $2,220 |
| $10,000 | $1,451 | $2,198 | $2,637 |
Worked Example
Combined monthly net income of both parents: $7,500, 2 children. Economic Table (RCW 26.19.020): 'Two Children Family' = $925 per child → total basic support obligation = 2 × $925 = $1,850/month. Parent A (the paying parent) nets $4,500/month (60% of combined income), Parent B nets $3,000/month (40%). Parent A pays 60% × $1,850 = $1,110/month to Parent B. Limit checks: the 45% ceiling (RCW 26.19.065(3)) would be 45% × $4,500 = $2,025 — not reached at $1,110. The self-support reserve (180% FPL, $2,394/month) is also preserved, since Parent A keeps $4,500 − $1,110 = $3,390 after paying.
When Courts Deviate From the Guideline
- Residential time the paying parent spends with the child, when significant — considering increased/decreased household costs (RCW 26.19.075(1)(d))
- Wealth of a parent (savings, real estate, business interests, vehicles, pensions, etc.) (RCW 26.19.075(1)(a)(iii))
- Extraordinary debt not voluntarily incurred (RCW 26.19.075(1)(b))
- Children from other relationships and existing support obligations for other children (RCW 26.19.075(1)(e))
- Special medical, educational, or psychological needs of the child, including disability (RCW 26.19.075(1)(c))
- Nonrecurring income such as overtime, bonuses, or second-job income, reviewed over the last two calendar years (RCW 26.19.075(1)(a)(i)/(vi))
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a hard cap on child support in Washington?
No rigid dollar cap, but the Economic Table is only presumptive up to $50,000 combined monthly net income (RCW 26.19.020); above that, the court can order more but must make written findings of fact. Separately, a parent's total support obligation for ALL of their children may not exceed 45% of net income without good cause (RCW 26.19.065(3)).
What counts as income for Washington child support?
RCW 26.19.071 defines 'gross monthly income' very broadly (wages, salaries, commissions, overtime, business income, etc.) and lists exclusions such as SSI, TANF, ABD benefits, and child support received for other children. Net income results after deducting federal/state taxes, FICA, mandatory contributions (including the newer mandatory state deductions such as PFML and WA Cares premiums), and support already paid.
How does shared residential time affect the amount?
Washington's standard calculation assumes a primary residential parent rather than an overnight-count formula. The paying parent's residential time is a recognized deviation ground under RCW 26.19.075 only when it is 'significant' — the court then examines the increased and decreased costs in each household.
Until when does child support run in Washington, and does it cover college?
Generally until age 18 or high school graduation (whichever is later, at most to 19). A court can additionally order postsecondary educational support for college/vocational training (RCW 26.19.090), depending on the child's aptitude, the parents' expectations, and financial ability — but it is not automatic and must be requested separately.