Small Claims Calculator
Enter the amount you're claiming and your state's small claims court limit to see whether your case qualifies and estimate filing fees.
Not legal advice This is a general estimate only, not legal advice. Small claims limits, filing fees and procedures vary by state and court. Consult the court clerk or an attorney before filing.
Small Claims Calculator
Estimate filing fees and eligibility
Filing fees typically scale with claim amount. Recovery is limited to the claim amount plus applicable court costs and interest, subject to state small claims limits.
⚠️ Double-check important results. This is an educational estimate, not professional advice — and where it uses a rate, bracket or fee, those change over time. Verify anything you'll rely on, especially in legal, financial, tax or medical matters, and read our full disclaimer. Think a result is wrong? Tell us so we can fix it.
How Small Claims Courts Work
Small claims court handles disputes below a state-set dollar limit, designed for people to represent themselves without lawyers.
**Eligibility**: Your claim amount must be at or below your state's small claims limit. Limits vary widely — roughly $2,500 to $25,000 depending on the state.
**Filing fees**: Typically tiered by claim amount, often $30–$150 for small claims. Some courts waive fees for low-income filers.
**Recovery**: You can generally recover the claim amount plus court costs and sometimes interest. You usually cannot recover attorney's fees in small claims.
This calculator provides estimates only — contact your local court clerk for exact fees and limits.
- Claim must be within state small claims limit
- Filing fees tiered by claim amount
- Attorney's fees usually not recoverable
- Estimate only — verify with your court
Worked Example
Example: Claiming $3,000, state limit $10,000.
- Within limit: Yes ($3,000 ≤ $10,000) - Estimated filing fee: ~$75 (varies by court) - Max recoverable: $3,000 claim + court costs
Example: Claiming $15,000, state limit $10,000. - Within limit: No — you'd need to reduce the claim or file in a higher court.
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Open calculator →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a lawyer in small claims?
It depends on the state. Some states allow lawyers; others don't, or only allow them with the judge's permission. Many people represent themselves (pro se).
What if my claim is over the limit?
You can reduce your claim to fit within small claims limits, or file in a higher court (which usually requires a lawyer and has higher fees).
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