Small Claims Court Amount Calculator

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.