Paycheck Calculator
Calculate your take-home pay after federal tax, FICA, state tax, and deductions. See a complete breakdown per pay period including net income, taxes withheld, and total deductions.
Quick Answer
This free paycheck and net pay calculator instantly converts your gross annual salary into accurate take-home pay across every pay period. It factors in federal income tax brackets, FICA (Social Security and Medicare), estimated state tax, pre-tax deductions like 401(k) and health insurance, plus any other deductions. View your net income broken down by annual, monthly, bi-weekly, and weekly periods to understand exactly what hits your bank account each payday.
How to Use This Paycheck Calculator
Enter your gross annual salary and select your filing status and pay frequency. Adjust the pre-tax deduction percentage to account for 401(k) contributions, health insurance, or HSA. Enter any other fixed deductions per pay period. Click "Calculate Take-Home Pay" to see a complete breakdown of your paycheck: gross pay, federal income tax, FICA (Social Security and Medicare), estimated state tax, pre-tax deductions, and your final net take-home pay. You can toggle between annual, monthly, bi-weekly, and weekly views to understand your cash flow at every level.
How Paycheck Deductions Work
Your gross salary is the total amount you earn before any deductions. From this amount, the government withholds federal income tax based on progressive tax brackets — the more you earn, the higher the rate on each additional dollar. FICA taxes (7.65% total) fund Social Security and Medicare. State income tax varies by location (we estimate 4.5% on average). Pre-tax deductions like 401(k) contributions reduce your taxable income, lowering your overall tax bill. The result is your net pay or take-home pay — what actually hits your bank account. Understanding this flow helps you make smarter decisions about retirement contributions, job offers, and budget planning.
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