Small Claims Court Amount Calculator
Calculate your total claim amount for small claims court including damages, interest, and filing fees by US state.
Small Claims Court allows individuals to sue for relatively small amounts without needing a lawyer. Each US state has different maximum claim limits and filing fees.
Total claim calculation:
Total Claim = Original Damages + Prejudgment Interest + Filing Fee
Prejudgment interest is the interest owed from the date the debt was due until the court date.
Interest = Principal × (Annual Rate / 365) × Days Overdue
Most states allow prejudgment interest at a statutory rate (commonly 5-10% per year).
US state small claims limits (selected examples):
- California: $10,000 (individuals), $5,000 (businesses)
- New York: $10,000 ($5,000 in town/village courts)
- Texas: $20,000
- Florida: $8,000
- Illinois: $10,000
- Pennsylvania: $12,000
- Ohio: $6,000
- Georgia: $15,000
- Michigan: $6,500
- Washington: $10,000
Filing fees vary by state and claim amount:
- Small claims under $1,500: typically $30-75
- Claims $1,500-$5,000: typically $50-100
- Claims $5,000-$10,000: typically $75-200
What you can claim:
- Unpaid debts or loans
- Property damage
- Breach of contract (written or verbal)
- Security deposit disputes
- Defective products or poor services
- Personal injury (minor)
What you cannot claim in small claims:
- Amounts above your state maximum
- Libel, slander, or defamation (in most states)
- Class action lawsuits
- Claims against the federal government
Important note: If your claim exceeds the small claims limit, you can either reduce your claim to fit, or file in a higher court (which typically requires an attorney). This calculator provides general estimates only and is not legal advice.