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Paycheck Calculator

Updated 2026

A paycheck calculator helps you estimate your take-home pay after federal and state taxes, FICA, and other deductions. Know exactly what you'll earn per period and plan your budget with confidence.

How to Use This Calculator

Enter your annual salary, the number of pay periods per year (26 for biweekly, 24 for semi-monthly, 52 for weekly), your state tax rate, 401(k) contribution percentage, and any per-period deductions like health insurance. Click Calculate to see your gross pay, each deduction broken out, and your net take-home pay per period.

How It's Calculated

Gross pay per period is your annual salary divided by the number of pay periods. Federal income tax is computed using progressive tax brackets applied pro-rata per period. FICA taxes include Social Security (6.2% up to the wage base) and Medicare (1.45% plus 0.9% for high earners). State tax is a flat percentage of gross pay. Net pay is gross pay minus all deductions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gross pay is your total earnings before any deductions — your salary or hourly wages multiplied by the number of hours worked. Net pay (or take-home pay) is what actually lands in your bank account after all deductions. The difference includes federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA), state income tax, and voluntary deductions like health insurance premiums, 401(k) contributions, and flexible spending accounts.
Mandatory deductions include federal income tax (withheld based on your W-4), Social Security tax (6.2% up to the annual wage base), Medicare tax (1.45%, plus an additional 0.9% for high earners), and state income tax (varies by state — some states have no income tax). Voluntary deductions may include health/dental/vision insurance, 401(k) or other retirement plan contributions, health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) contributions, and life insurance.
State income tax varies widely. Eight states have no income tax (Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming). New Hampshire taxes only interest and dividends. Other states use either flat tax rates or progressive brackets. For example, California's top rate exceeds 13%, while states like Pennsylvania use a flat 3.07%. Choose your state in this calculator to get an accurate estimate of your net pay.
Your W-4 form tells your employer how much federal income tax to withhold from each paycheck. The form accounts for your filing status, number of jobs, dependents, other income, and tax credits. If too little is withheld, you'll owe taxes at filing time; too much, and you'll get a refund. The IRS Tax Withholding Estimator can help you optimize your W-4. This calculator estimates withholding based on standard W-4 settings.

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