Free tool · Ontario
Ontario child support calculator
Estimate the monthly child support table amount under the Federal Child Support Guidelines, using the updated 2025 tables in force since October 1, 2025. Handles sole, shared (50/50) and split parenting. This tool gives an estimate only and is not legal advice.
How child support is calculated in Ontario
Child support in Ontario is set by the Federal Child Support Guidelines (for married parents who divorce) and Ontario's Child Support Guidelines (for everyone else). The two use the same tables. The basic monthly payment, called the table amount, depends on three things:
- the paying parent's gross annual income
- the number of children the support is for
- the province where the paying parent lives
Where the children live mainly with one parent, the other parent pays the table amount. The receiving parent's income does not change the table amount, although it does matter for special expenses and for spousal support.
The federal government updated the tables on October 1, 2025. A parent earning $16,000 or less now has a table amount of $0, and amounts at most income levels changed. This calculator uses the 2025 tables.
Shared parenting (50/50 or 40% or more)
If each parent has the children at least 40% of the time over the course of a year, the Guidelines treat it as shared parenting. The usual starting point is a set-off: calculate the table amount each parent would pay the other, and the higher-income parent pays the difference. The court can then adjust for the extra costs of running two homes and each household's actual means and needs, so the final number is not always the straight set-off.
To estimate shared parenting in the calculator, choose Shared (40%+) for each child.
Split parenting
When at least one child lives mainly with each parent, each parent's table amount is calculated for the children living with the other parent, and the two amounts are offset.
Special and extraordinary (section 7) expenses
On top of the table amount, parents share certain extra costs in proportion to their incomes. These include:
- child care needed so a parent can work or go to school
- the child's share of medical and dental insurance premiums
- health costs over $100 a year that insurance does not cover, such as orthodontics, therapy or prescription glasses
- extraordinary school expenses, such as private school or tutoring
- post-secondary education
- extraordinary extracurricular activities
The calculator shows the table amount only. Section 7 expenses are worked out separately, usually in your separation agreement or court order.
Incomes over $150,000
The tables give a set amount up to $150,000 and a formula for income above that. For higher incomes, a court can depart from the formula for the portion over $150,000 if it considers the full amount inappropriate, looking at the children's actual needs and the parents' means.
Self-employed, bonus or changing income
Working out the right income is often the hardest part. Business owners can have income added back for personal expenses paid through the company, and courts can impute (assign) income to a parent who is intentionally underemployed. If your income varies, the average of the last three years may be used. Our business owners page explains more.
When the calculator is not enough
The table amount is a strong starting point, but it is only the start. A lawyer can confirm the correct income, work out section 7 expenses, deal with shared-parenting adjustments and make sure your agreement is enforceable. Read our guide to how child support is calculated in Ontario, or learn how we help with support.
Frequently asked questions
How much is child support for one child in Ontario?
It depends on the paying parent's gross annual income. The Federal Child Support Tables set a monthly amount for each income level and number of children. Enter the paying parent's income in the calculator above to see the table amount for one child. Special expenses such as daycare are shared on top of that amount.
Is child support based on gross or net income?
Gross income. The starting point is the total income on the paying parent's tax return (line 15000), with some adjustments set out in the Guidelines. The tables already account for income tax.
Does 50/50 custody mean no child support in Ontario?
Not necessarily. When each parent has the children at least 40% of the time over a year, the court usually starts by calculating the table amount each parent would pay the other and offsetting the two. The higher-income parent normally still pays the difference. The court can then adjust for the actual costs of each household.
Is child support taxable in Canada?
No. Under agreements and orders made after April 1997, child support is not taxable for the parent who receives it and not deductible for the parent who pays it.
When does child support end in Ontario?
Child support generally continues while a child is under 18, and can continue after 18 while the child is in full-time education, such as college or university, or cannot support themselves because of illness or disability. It does not end automatically at 18, so check your order or agreement and get advice before stopping payments.
Can parents agree to no child support?
Child support is the child's right, not the parent's, so parents cannot simply waive it. A court will not approve an arrangement below the Guidelines unless reasonable arrangements have otherwise been made for the child's support.
Do the 2025 tables change my existing child support order?
Not automatically. Orders made under the earlier 2017 tables stay in place until they are changed. If the new table amount for the same income is different, that may be grounds to ask for a variation. Talk to a lawyer before you assume the amount has changed.
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