Paycheck Calculator
Estimate your take-home pay
Pay Details
Net Pay Per Paycheck
| Item | Per Paycheck | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Pay | -- | -- |
| 401(k) Contribution | -- | -- |
| HSA Contribution | -- | -- |
| Federal Income Tax | -- | -- |
| Social Security | -- | -- |
| Medicare | -- | -- |
| State Tax (estimate) | -- | -- |
| Net Pay | -- | -- |
Enter your pay details to estimate your take-home pay.
This calculator provides an educational estimate only and is not tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.
How Your Paycheck Is Calculated
Your take-home pay is your gross pay minus pre-tax deductions, federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and any applicable state tax. This calculator walks through each of those deductions so you can see exactly where your paycheck goes.
Federal Income Tax
The U.S. uses a progressive, marginal tax bracket system: only the income that falls within a bracket is taxed at that bracket's rate. This calculator applies the current tax brackets and standard deduction for your filing status.
Social Security & Medicare
Together known as FICA taxes, Social Security is withheld at a flat rate up to an annual wage cap, while Medicare has no cap and adds an extra 0.9% on high earnings.
Pre-Tax Contributions
Traditional 401(k) contributions reduce your federal taxable income (but not your Social Security/Medicare wages), while HSA contributions reduce both — lowering your overall tax bill.
State Taxes Vary
State income tax rules differ widely — some states have no income tax at all, while others use their own bracket systems. This tool uses a single flat percentage as a simplified estimate.
Why Your Take-Home Pay Might Differ
This calculator provides a simplified, educational estimate. Your actual paycheck may differ due to factors not modeled here, including local/city taxes, additional pre-tax benefits (dependent care FSA, commuter benefits), Roth (post-tax) retirement contributions, wage garnishments, or a Form W-4 that specifies extra withholding or additional dependents/credits.
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Key Takeaways
- Gross vs. Net: Gross pay is your total earnings before any deductions; net pay is what actually lands in your bank account.
- Pre-Tax Contributions Lower Your Bill: Increasing your 401(k) or HSA contribution percentage reduces your taxable income today.
- FICA Applies Regardless of Filing Status Deductions: Social Security and Medicare are calculated on wages, not on your taxable income after deductions.
- Educational Estimate Only: This tool does not replace a paystub, a W-4 withholding calculation, or professional tax advice.