Free tool
Child support care calculator
Choose a parenting pattern and how school holidays are shared. See how many nights each parent has over 12 months, their percentage of care and the child support care band.
How the care band is worked out
Child support takes into account each parent's percentage of care, usually counted in nights over a 12 month period. The number of nights places each parent in a care band:
| Nights a year | Percentage of care | Care level |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 51 | Less than 14% | Below regular care |
| 52 to 127 | 14% to less than 35% | Regular care |
| 128 to 175 | 35% to less than 48% | Shared care |
| 176 to 189 | 48% to 52% | Equal shared care |
| 190 to 237 | More than 52% to 65% | Shared care |
| 238 to 313 | More than 65% to 86% | Primary care |
| 314 to 365 | More than 86% | Above primary care |
A few nights either side of a threshold, such as 128 nights for shared care, can change a parent's care level. That's why it pays to count the nights in a proposal before agreeing to it. Read more in overnights and care bands.
What this calculator doesn't do
It counts nights; it doesn't assess child support. The amount payable also depends on both parents' incomes, other children and the costs of children tables. Services Australia decides the percentage of care based on the care that actually happens, and its online estimators give an estimate of child support. This is general information, not legal advice.
For family lawyers
Matter Folio's parenting planner does this inside a matter: proposals with holiday periods, Christmas and other special days, a month-by-month calendar, side-by-side comparison and the care band for each, saved with an activity trail. See parenting arrangements.
Common questions
How is the percentage of care worked out?
Services Australia usually works it out from the number of nights a child is expected to be in each parent's care over 12 months. This calculator counts those nights for the pattern and holidays you choose.
How many nights is shared care?
Shared care starts at 128 nights a year (35%). From 176 to 189 nights (48% to 52%) is equal shared care. Below 128 nights is regular care, and from 238 nights (more than 65%) is primary care.
Why do school holidays change the result?
Holidays replace the regular pattern for several weeks a year. Splitting each holiday in half moves an uneven pattern, such as alternate weekends, much closer to shared care.
Does this calculate child support?
No. It shows nights and the care band only. Child support also depends on both parents' incomes and other children. Services Australia's online estimators give an estimate, and Services Australia makes the actual assessment.
Is my information saved?
No. Everything is worked out in your browser. The choices are kept in the page address only so you can copy a link to the result.
Model proposals for your clients
Matter Folio's parenting planner compares proposals with holidays and special days, and keeps them on the matter.