Small Claims Court ROI
Small Claims Court ROI Calculator
What this calculator does
Small claims court has filing fees and requires time off work. This calculator estimates the expected return versus the cost.
The math, with a worked example
Total cost = filing fee + hours off work × hourly wage. Expected return = amount owed × win probability. Net ROI = expected return − total cost. A $1,000 owed debt with a $75 filing fee, 4 hours off at $20/hour, and 70% win probability has an expected return of $700 minus $155 cost, or $545 net.
Why this matters
Suing over $1,000 is a bet with an entry fee: filing costs, hours off work, and a win probability you should price honestly. $700 expected return against $155 of costs says file; the same math on a judgment-proof defendant says walk away.
Methodology and transparency
Net ROI = amount owed × win probability − (filing fee + hours off work × your hourly wage). The input that breaks the model in practice isn't win probability — it's collectability, which the model doesn't price: a judgment against someone with no wages or assets to garnish is a paper win. Discount your expected return by the odds of actually collecting, not just winning. Everything runs in your browser; no data is sent or stored.
Last reviewed: 2026-08-08
Common questions
Can I collect if I win?
Winning is only half the battle. Collecting from someone with no assets can be hard.
Should I hire a lawyer?
Small claims is designed for self-representation, but a lawyer can help with complex cases.