Custody Time
Calculator
Calculate custody time percentages for any parenting schedule. Compare common arrangements like 50/50 and every-other-weekend, track overnights, and understand how your schedule affects support calculations.
Important: This tool provides educational estimates only — not legal advice. Made For Law is not a law firm and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, county, or local government agency or court system. Calculator results are based on statutory formulas and publicly available fee schedules — not AI. Supporting content is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. Results may not reflect recent legislative changes or your specific circumstances. Do not rely solely on these estimates — always verify with official sources and consult a licensed attorney before making legal or financial decisions. Full disclaimer
Calculate Your Custody Percentage
Enter each parent's overnights to see the custody time split.
Common Custody Schedules
| Schedule | Overnights/Year | Custody % |
|---|---|---|
| 50/50 Alternating Weeks | 182 | 49.9% |
| 50/50 (2-2-3 Rotation) | 182 | 49.9% |
| 60/40 (4-3 Schedule) | 156 | 42.7% |
| 70/30 (Every Other Weekend + Midweek) | 110 | 30.1% |
| 80/20 (Every Other Weekend) | 52 | 14.2% |
| 90/10 (Limited Visitation) | 36 | 9.9% |
Percentages are approximate and based on 365 overnights per year. Your court may use different counting methods.
How Custody Time Is Counted
Most family courts calculate custody time by counting overnights. The parent with whom the child sleeps gets credit for that day. Some jurisdictions also consider daytime hours, especially when a parent has significant daytime-only parenting time.
The formula is straightforward: divide the number of overnights with one parent by 365, then multiply by 100. A parent with 182 overnights has approximately 49.9% custody time.
Holiday schedules, summer vacation, and school breaks can shift the final percentages. Most parenting plans specify these separately, and this calculator lets you account for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Edited and reviewed by our editorial team. Answers are general information — not legal advice.
How is custody time percentage calculated?
Custody time percentage is calculated by dividing the number of overnights each parent has per year by 365. For example, 182 overnights equals approximately 49.9% custody time. Some courts also count daytime hours for parents who have significant daytime-only parenting time.
What does a 50/50 custody schedule look like?
Common 50/50 schedules include alternating weeks, a 2-2-3 rotation (two days with each parent, then three with one, alternating), or a 3-4-4-3 schedule. Each gives both parents roughly 182-183 overnights per year.
Does custody percentage affect child support?
In most states, yes. The more overnights a parent has, the lower their child support obligation tends to be. Many states use a formula where crossing certain thresholds (like 30% or 40%) significantly changes the calculation.
What is the difference between legal custody and physical custody?
Legal custody is the right to make major decisions about the child (education, healthcare, religion). Physical custody determines where the child lives. Parents can share legal custody equally while having unequal physical custody time.
How many overnights is every other weekend?
A standard every-other-weekend schedule gives the non-custodial parent about 52 overnights per year (26 weekends x 2 nights), which is approximately 14% of the year. Adding a midweek overnight increases this to about 78 overnights (21%).
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