Paycheck Calculator
Calculate your net take-home pay after federal income tax, state income tax, Social Security, and Medicare. Perfect for hourly and salaried employees to plan their budget and understand tax withholdings.
How Your Paycheck Is Calculated
Your take-home pay is your gross pay minus all deductions and taxes. The calculation follows this formula:
Net Pay = Gross Pay − Pre-Tax Deductions − Federal Income Tax − State Income Tax − FICA (Social Security + Medicare) − Post-Tax Deductions
2026 Tax Rate Context: This calculator uses the 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deduction amounts. FICA taxes are 6.2% for Social Security (up to the wage base of $168,600) and 1.45% for Medicare (with an additional 0.9% for high earners).
Understanding the Components
- Gross Pay: Your total earnings before any deductions. For salaried employees, this is your annual salary divided by the number of pay periods. For hourly employees, it's your hourly rate × hours worked (with overtime at 1.5×).
- Pre-Tax Deductions: 401(k) contributions, health insurance premiums, and HSA contributions reduce your taxable income, lowering your tax liability.
- Federal Income Tax: Calculated using the 2026 tax brackets (10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, 37%) based on your filing status and taxable income.
- State Income Tax: Calculated using your state's tax rate or the custom rate you enter. Some states have no income tax.
- FICA: Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) are payroll taxes that fund retirement and healthcare benefits.
- Post-Tax Deductions: Deductions taken after taxes, such as union dues or wage garnishments.
2026 Federal Tax Brackets
- 10%: $0 – $11,600 (Single) / $0 – $23,200 (Married) / $0 – $16,550 (Head)
- 12%: $11,601 – $47,150 (Single) / $23,201 – $94,300 (Married) / $16,551 – $63,200 (Head)
- 22%: $47,151 – $100,525 (Single) / $94,301 – $201,050 (Married) / $63,201 – $100,500 (Head)
- 24%: $100,526 – $191,950 (Single) / $201,051 – $383,900 (Married) / $100,501 – $191,950 (Head)
- 32%: $191,951 – $243,725 (Single) / $383,901 – $487,450 (Married) / $191,951 – $243,700 (Head)
- 35%: $243,726 – $609,350 (Single) / $487,451 – $731,200 (Married) / $243,701 – $609,350 (Head)
- 37%: $609,351+ (Single) / $731,201+ (Married) / $609,351+ (Head)
❓ Paycheck Calculator FAQ
What's 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 taxes and deductions are subtracted.
How do I calculate my hourly paycheck?
Weekly gross = Hourly rate × Hours worked. Overtime (over 40 hours) is typically paid at 1.5× the regular rate. Then subtract taxes and deductions. This calculator handles this automatically.
What is the standard deduction for 2026?
The 2026 standard deduction is $16,100 for single filers, $32,200 for married couples filing jointly, and $24,150 for head of household. This calculator uses these amounts to determine taxable income.
What are the 2026 federal tax brackets?
The 2026 federal tax brackets are 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37%. The income thresholds vary by filing status. See the explanation section for the full bracket breakdown.
What is FICA and how is it calculated?
FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) includes Social Security tax (6.2% up to the wage base of $168,600) and Medicare tax (1.45% on all wages, with an additional 0.9% for high earners over $200,000 single or $250,000 married).
What are pre-tax deductions?
Pre-tax deductions reduce your taxable income. Common examples include 401(k) contributions, health insurance premiums, HSA contributions, and FSA contributions. This calculator includes 401(k) and health insurance pre-tax deductions.
How does the calculator handle bonuses?
Bonuses are added to your gross pay for the pay period and are subject to federal income tax, FICA, and state tax. This calculator includes a bonus/commission field in the advanced options.
What is the difference between salaried and hourly pay?
Salaried employees receive a fixed annual salary regardless of hours worked. Hourly employees are paid based on the number of hours worked, with overtime pay for hours over 40 per week. This calculator supports both employee types.
Why do I owe taxes at the end of the year?
If your employer withholds too little tax from your paychecks, you may owe when filing. You can adjust your W-4 to increase withholding if needed. This calculator helps you understand your withholding.
How much should I save for retirement?
Financial experts recommend saving 10-15% of your gross income for retirement. Pre-tax 401(k) contributions lower your current taxable income, which can reduce your tax bill.
What is the difference between a W-2 and a 1099 employee?
W-2 employees have taxes withheld from their paychecks and receive a W-2 at year-end. 1099 workers (independent contractors) are responsible for paying their own taxes (self-employment tax) and receive a 1099-NEC. This calculator is for W-2 employees.
How do I adjust my tax withholding?
You can adjust your withholding by submitting a new W-4 form to your employer. The IRS provides a withholding estimator to help you determine the correct amount to withhold. This calculator can help you see how changes affect your take-home pay.
What states have no income tax?
As of 2026, the states with no state income tax are: Texas, Florida, Washington, Nevada, Alaska, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Wyoming. This calculator includes these options.
How accurate is this paycheck calculator?
This calculator provides estimates based on the 2026 tax brackets and standard withholding methodology. Actual tax liability may vary based on your specific situation. Use this as a planning tool, not a guarantee.
Can I use this calculator for a job offer negotiation?
Yes. Understanding your take-home pay helps you budget effectively and avoid financial surprises. Use this calculator when negotiating a salary or considering a job offer to see how changes in pay affect your net income.