Paycheck Calculator
Calculate Your Take-Home Pay 💵 | Net Salary Estimator After Taxes & Deductions
📉 Pre-Tax Deductions (401k, Health, etc.)
📋 Post-Tax Deductions
What is a Paycheck Calculator?
A paycheck calculator helps you estimate your take-home pay after all taxes and deductions. Whether you're a salaried employee, hourly worker, or freelancer, knowing your net pay is essential for budgeting, tax planning, and financial goal setting.
This net salary calculator accounts for federal income tax, FICA (Social Security & Medicare), state income tax, retirement contributions (401k), health insurance premiums, and other pre/post-tax deductions.
How to Use This Paycheck Calculator
- Select your Pay Type (Salaried or Hourly).
- Enter your Annual Salary or Hourly Rate + Hours.
- Choose your State for accurate state income tax.
- Select your Pay Frequency (weekly, bi-weekly, etc.).
- Expand Pre-Tax Deductions to add 401k, health insurance, etc.
- Expand Post-Tax Deductions for Roth contributions or wage garnishment.
- Click "Calculate Take-Home Pay" to see net pay per paycheck and annually.
Understanding Your Paycheck Deductions
- Federal Income Tax: Progressive tax system (10% to 37% based on income).
- FICA (Social Security & Medicare): 7.65% combined (6.2% SS up to $168,600, 1.45% Medicare).
- State Income Tax: Varies by state (0% to 13.3% in California).
- 401(k) Contributions: Pre-tax, reduces taxable income.
- Health Insurance: Often pre-tax, lowers taxable wages.
- Roth 401(k): After-tax, grows tax-free.
Federal Tax Brackets (2025-2026)
10%: $0–$11,600 | 12%: $11,601–$47,150 | 22%: $47,151–$100,525
24%: $100,526–$191,950 | 32%: $191,951–$243,725 | 35%: $243,726–$609,350 | 37%: $609,351+
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between gross pay and net pay?
Gross pay is your total earnings before any deductions. Net pay (take-home pay) is what you actually receive after all taxes, retirement contributions, insurance, and other deductions.
How much is taken out of a paycheck for taxes?
Typically 15-25% of gross pay, depending on income level, state, and filing status. This includes federal income tax (10-22% for most), FICA (7.65%), and state tax (0-10%).
What is FICA?
FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) includes Social Security (6.2% up to $168,600) and Medicare (1.45% on all wages). High earners pay an additional 0.9% Medicare surtax.
Do 401k contributions reduce taxable income?
Yes. Traditional 401k contributions are pre-tax, meaning they lower your taxable income and reduce federal/state tax withholding.
What is the difference between bi-weekly and semi-monthly pay?
Bi-weekly = 26 paychecks per year (every 2 weeks). Semi-monthly = 24 paychecks per year (twice a month, usually on set dates).
💡 Pro Tip: Review your paycheck withholdings annually. If you receive a large tax refund, you're overpaying — adjust your W-4 to increase take-home pay. If you owe money at tax time, increase withholdings.