Paycheck Calculator
See what a job offer actually deposits in your account. Enter the gross salary and get net pay per period, tax by tax.
Last updated: August 5, 2026
What comes out of a paycheck
Three things are withheld from most US paychecks. Federal income tax is progressive: you only pay each bracket rate on the income inside that bracket, after the standard deduction. FICA is flat 7.65% — 6.2% for Social Security and 1.45% for Medicare, with an extra 0.9% Medicare surtax above high incomes. State income tax depends on your state; some have none.
This calculator applies the standard deduction, so it matches most employees who do not itemize. Pre-tax deductions such as a 401(k) reduce taxable income before any tax is calculated, which is why they are so effective at lowering your bill.
The approach
Worked example
$60,000 gross, single, paid bi-weekly, no state tax, no 401(k).
Taxable ≈ $45,400. Federal tax ≈ $5,050 (about 8.4% effective). FICA = $4,590. Net annual ≈ $50,360, so each of 26 checks is about $1,937.
Add a 6% 401(k) contribution and taxable income drops to about $41,800, saving you roughly $130 in federal tax a year — money that also keeps growing tax-deferred.
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Frequently asked questions
Does this include health insurance or other deductions?
No — only tax and the optional pre-tax percentage you enter. Premiums, union dues and wage garnishments are employer-specific, so add them yourself after the result if you need an exact figure.
Why is my federal withholding different from the calculator?
Your W-4 choices set withholding, and payroll software adjusts for how much you have already been paid this year. The calculator estimates the actual annual tax liability; withholding catches up or down at tax time.
Is my state missing from the list?
States use different brackets and credits, so the calculator asks for a flat rate instead of guessing. Enter your state's average rate from your last pay stub for a closer estimate.
This is an estimate for planning, not a payroll calculation. Tax rules change and your employer's payroll system may differ. For exact figures, check your pay stub or a tax professional.