Paycheck Calculator
Calculate your exact net take-home pay from any salary or hourly wage. Choose your state for accurate state income tax deductions — federal taxes, FICA, Social Security, and Medicare included automatically. Free, instant, no signup.
Uses 2026 IRS federal tax brackets. State income tax is estimated where applicable. Consult a tax professional for payroll-specific advice.
Paycheck Calculator by State
Select your state for a calculator that includes your exact state income tax rates, standard deductions, and local tax rules for 2026.
How Is Net Take-Home Pay Calculated?
Your net take-home pay is your gross pay minus federal income tax, Social Security tax (6.2%), Medicare tax (1.45%), any state income tax, and pre-tax deductions like 401(k) contributions. The federal income tax is calculated using 2026 IRS progressive brackets — you only pay the higher rate on income above each threshold, not on your full salary. This calculator applies all these deductions automatically based on your filing status, pay period, and state.
For official 2026 federal tax withholding tables and W-4 instructions, see the IRS Publication 15-T (Federal Income Tax Withholding Methods) and the U.S. Department of Labor FLSA wage guidance.
How to Use the Paycheck Calculator
Paycheck Calculator FAQ
What is the difference between gross pay and net pay?
Gross pay is your total earnings before any deductions — your salary or hourly wages times hours worked. Net pay (also called take-home pay) is what actually lands in your bank account after federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, state income tax, and any pre-tax deductions like 401(k) contributions are subtracted. For most employees, net pay is 70–80% of gross pay depending on income level, state, and filing status.
How much federal tax is taken out of my paycheck?
Federal income tax withheld depends on your gross pay, filing status, and how many allowances you claimed on your W-4. In addition to income tax, 6.2% goes to Social Security (on wages up to $176,100 in 2026) and 1.45% goes to Medicare on all wages. Together, FICA taxes are 7.65% for most employees. Federal income tax rates range from 10% to 37% depending on your income bracket.
Which states have no income tax?
As of 2026, nine states have no state income tax: Florida, Texas, Washington, Nevada, Wyoming, South Dakota, Alaska, Tennessee, and New Hampshire (on wages). If you live in one of these states, your paycheck deductions are limited to federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare — no state income tax withholding. This can meaningfully increase your take-home pay compared to high-tax states like California (up to 13.3%) or New York (up to 10.9%).
How often should I use a paycheck calculator?
Run a new paycheck calculation any time your situation changes: when you get a raise, change jobs, update your W-4 after a life event (marriage, new child), change your 401(k) contribution rate, or move to a new state. The IRS also updates tax brackets and standard deductions each year for inflation, so recalculating at the start of each tax year ensures your withholding estimate is current.
Does a 401(k) contribution reduce my paycheck taxes?
Yes. Traditional (pre-tax) 401(k) contributions are deducted from your gross pay before federal income tax is calculated, reducing your taxable income and the amount of tax withheld each paycheck. For example, contributing 6% of a $70,000 salary saves roughly $924/year in federal taxes for a single filer in the 22% bracket. The 2026 IRS elective deferral limit is $23,500 ($31,000 if age 50 or older with the catch-up contribution).
What is bi-weekly pay vs semi-monthly pay?
Bi-weekly means you are paid every two weeks — 26 paychecks per year. Semi-monthly means you are paid twice a month on fixed dates (e.g., 1st and 15th) — 24 paychecks per year. The annual gross is the same either way, but each bi-weekly check is slightly smaller than each semi-monthly check because the total is divided by 26 instead of 24. Two months per year you receive three bi-weekly paychecks instead of two.