Small Claims Court Calculator
Weigh the expected recovery against all out-of-pocket costs before filing a small claims case. Calculates your net expected value based on claim size, fees, and win probability.
About this calculator
Filing a small claims case involves more than the claim amount — you must subtract filing fees, service costs, and lost wages to find your true net benefit. The formula is: Net Value = (claimAmount × successProbability) − (max(claimAmount × filingFeeRate, $30) + serviceFee + (timeOffWork × hourlyWage)). The expected recovery is the claim amount discounted by the probability of winning. Filing fees scale with the claim but have a $30 floor. Service of process (delivering court papers) adds a fixed cost. Lost wages from attending hearings are an often-overlooked real cost. If the result is positive, filing is financially rational; if negative, negotiating a settlement may be smarter.
How to use
Claim: $1,500. Filing fee rate: 0.05 (5%), so max($1,500 × 0.05, $30) = max($75, $30) = $75. Service fee: $40. Time off work: 4 hours at $25/hour = $100. Success probability: 0.70. Step 1 — Expected recovery: $1,500 × 0.70 = $1,050. Step 2 — Total costs: $75 + $40 + $100 = $215. Step 3 — Net value: $1,050 − $215 = $835. Since the result is positive, filing is financially worthwhile in this scenario.
Frequently asked questions
What fees do I need to pay to file a small claims court case?
Small claims filing fees typically range from $30 to $100+ depending on your state and claim amount, often calculated as a percentage of the claim with a minimum floor. On top of the filing fee, you must pay a service-of-process fee so a sheriff or process server can officially notify the defendant, usually $25–$75. Some states also charge fees for requesting a judgment or garnishment after winning. This calculator captures the three most common cost categories: filing fee, service fee, and your own lost wages. Always check your local court's fee schedule for exact figures.
How do I estimate my probability of winning a small claims case?
Success probability depends on the strength of your evidence, the clarity of the legal issue, and whether the defendant is likely to appear. Cases with signed contracts, receipts, photos, and written communications tend to have higher win rates than word-against-word disputes. Studies suggest plaintiffs win roughly 60–70% of small claims cases when they show up prepared, but that figure varies widely by claim type. Being honest with yourself about your evidence quality leads to a more accurate net-value estimate. If probability is below 50%, the financial case for filing weakens significantly unless the claim amount is large.
When is it not worth filing a small claims lawsuit even if you might win?
Filing may not be worthwhile when the net expected value is negative — meaning costs and lost wages exceed the probability-weighted recovery. This often happens with very small claims (under $200), unlocatable defendants, or defendants who are judgment-proof (no assets to collect). Winning in court doesn't guarantee payment; you may still need to pursue wage garnishment or bank levies, adding more time and cost. Emotional satisfaction is real but shouldn't substitute for financial analysis. In these cases, a demand letter or mediation may be a more efficient resolution path.