How to use this calculator
Enter your gross annual salary or hourly rate, then select your pay frequency (weekly, biweekly, semi monthly, or monthly). Choose your filing status and state of residence. The calculator applies federal tax brackets, state income tax, and FICA deductions to estimate your net paycheck.
The results show your take home pay per pay period along with an annual summary. You can see exactly how much goes to federal tax, state tax, Social Security, and Medicare. Use these numbers when comparing job offers or budgeting around your actual deposited income.
Keep in mind that this is an estimate. Your actual paycheck may differ due to pre tax deductions like 401(k) contributions or health insurance premiums, which reduce your taxable income further. Adjust your gross pay downward by those amounts for a closer estimate.
Understanding paycheck deductions
Your take home pay is the amount deposited into your bank account after all taxes and deductions are withheld. The three main deductions for most workers are federal income tax, state income tax, and FICA (Social Security and Medicare).
Federal income tax uses a progressive bracket system. You only pay the higher rate on income that falls within each bracket, not on your entire salary. FICA is a flat 7.65% on all wages (6.2% for Social Security up to $176,100 in 2025, and 1.45% for Medicare with no cap). State income tax varies widely, with nine states charging no state income tax at all.
Frequently asked questions
How is take home pay calculated?
Start with your gross income. Subtract the standard deduction to find taxable income, then apply the federal tax brackets. Add FICA at 7.65% of gross income and state tax at your state rate. What remains is your take home pay.
What is FICA?
FICA stands for the Federal Insurance Contributions Act. It funds Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%). Your employer pays a matching amount. Together, FICA takes 7.65% from every paycheck regardless of filing status.
Why is my actual paycheck different from this estimate?
This calculator estimates taxes based on simplified brackets. Your real paycheck may differ due to 401(k) contributions, health insurance premiums, HSA deductions, local taxes, additional W-4 withholding, or mid-year income changes.
How does filing status affect taxes?
Filing status sets your standard deduction and bracket thresholds. Married filing jointly roughly doubles the bracket widths compared to single, meaning more of your income is taxed at lower rates. Head of household gets a larger deduction than single filers.