Paycheck Calculator

Estimate your take-home pay after federal, state, and FICA taxes. Calculate net pay for any pay frequency with detailed breakdowns.

Calculate Your Paycheck

Your Paycheck Breakdown

Paycheck Summary

Gross Pay: $0.00
Total Deductions: $0.00
Net Pay: $0.00
Deduction Type Amount
Federal Income Tax $0.00
State Income Tax $0.00
Social Security Tax $0.00
Medicare Tax $0.00
Retirement Contribution $0.00
Health Insurance $0.00
Total Taxes & Deductions $0.00

Annual Projections

Gross Income: $0.00
Net Income: $0.00

Understanding Paycheck Calculations

Federal Income Tax

Federal income tax is calculated using progressive tax brackets based on your filing status and income level. The amount withheld depends on:

  • Your gross income
  • Filing status (single, married, etc.)
  • Number of allowances claimed on W-4
  • Additional withholding requests

FICA Taxes

FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) taxes include Social Security and Medicare:

  • Social Security: 6.2% on income up to $160,200 (2023 limit)
  • Medicare: 1.45% on all income
  • Additional Medicare: 0.9% on income over $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married)

These are separate from federal income tax.

Voluntary Deductions

Beyond required taxes, paycheck deductions may include:

  • Retirement contributions (401k, 403b, etc.)
  • Health insurance premiums
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
  • Union dues
  • Charitable contributions

Paycheck Calculator FAQs

Why is my take-home pay less than my gross pay? +

Your take-home pay (net pay) is less than your gross pay due to various deductions including:

  • Federal, state, and local income taxes
  • Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA)
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance premiums
  • Retirement plan contributions
  • Other voluntary deductions like flexible spending accounts or union dues
How do pay frequencies affect my paycheck? +

Pay frequency determines how often you receive paychecks and can affect tax withholding calculations:

  • Weekly: 52 pay periods per year
  • Bi-weekly: 26 pay periods per year
  • Semi-monthly: 24 pay periods per year (twice per month)
  • Monthly: 12 pay periods per year

While your annual salary remains the same, the per-paycheck amount varies based on frequency.

What's the difference between pre-tax and post-tax deductions? +

Pre-tax deductions reduce your taxable income, while post-tax deductions do not:

  • Pre-tax: Health insurance premiums, traditional 401(k) contributions, flexible spending accounts. These lower your taxable income.
  • Post-tax: Roth 401(k) contributions, union dues, garnishments. These don't affect your taxable income.

Pre-tax deductions can lower your overall tax burden.

How accurate are paycheck calculators? +

Paycheck calculators provide estimates based on standard tax formulas and rates. While they're generally accurate for typical situations, actual paychecks may vary due to:

  • Specific employer policies and benefits
  • Additional local taxes
  • Unique tax situations (multiple jobs, self-employment income, etc.)
  • Recent tax law changes
  • Specific retirement plan rules

Always verify with your actual pay stubs and consult a tax professional for precise calculations.