Paycheck Calculator

Last Updated: June 2026

See your exact net take-home pay per paycheck after federal tax, state tax, and FICA deductions.

Annual Salary

Pay Frequency

State Tax Rate

Monthly Pre-tax Deductions (401k, HSA)

Net Pay Per Paycheck

Gross/Check$0

Federal Tax$0

State Tax$0

FICA$0

📐 Formula

Net Pay = Gross Pay − Federal Tax − State Tax − FICA − Pre-tax Deductions

How to Use the Paycheck Calculator

Enter your annual salary

Input your total gross annual salary before any deductions. If you are paid hourly, multiply your rate by 2,080 for a standard full-time year.

Select pay frequency

Choose weekly (52), bi-weekly (26), semi-monthly (24), or monthly (12). This determines your per-paycheck gross before deductions.

Enter state tax rate

Input your state's flat income tax rate — from 0% in Texas or Florida to 13.3% for California's top rate. Check your state revenue website for the current figure.

Add pre-tax deductions

Include monthly 401(k), HSA, or FSA contributions. These reduce federal and state taxable income dollar-for-dollar, directly increasing your take-home pay.

How Federal Paycheck Withholding Works

Your employer withholds federal income tax based on your W-4 filing status using the IRS withholding tables. Withholding is an estimate — your true liability is settled at year-end. The 2026 standard deduction is $15,000 (single) and $30,000 (MFJ). Federal tax is calculated progressively: only income in each bracket is taxed at that bracket's rate — a 22% bracket earner does not pay 22% on all income, only on income above the 12% threshold.

FICA: What It Is and Why It Comes Off Every Paycheck

FICA funds Social Security (6.2% on wages up to $176,100 in 2026) and Medicare (1.45% on all wages). Unlike income tax, FICA is unaffected by filing status or deductions — it applies to every dollar of earned income. An additional 0.9% Medicare surtax applies on wages above $200,000 (single). Your employer matches your FICA contributions, paying an equal amount separately. FICA and withholding together typically account for 25–35% of a paycheck for workers in the 22% bracket.

The Best Way to Increase Take-Home Pay Without a Raise

Maximising pre-tax 401(k) contributions is consistently the most impactful legal lever. In the 22% bracket, a $500/month 401(k) contribution saves $110/month in federal tax alone — a 22% guaranteed return before any investment growth. Additionally, reviewing your W-4 if you consistently receive a large refund lets you recapture that over-withholding immediately, effectively giving yourself a tax-free raise. An HSA contribution of $300/month on top of 401(k) saving generates further pre-tax relief for eligible high-deductible health plan holders.

Sources & Methodology

Calculations are based on the most current publicly available data from authoritative government and industry sources:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.Why does my actual paycheck differ from this estimate?▼

This calculator estimates based on standard deductions and 2024 brackets. Actual paychecks vary due to employer benefits, health insurance premiums, 401k contributions, local taxes, and W-4 withholding allowances.

Q.What is FICA and how much is it?▼

FICA stands for Federal Insurance Contributions Act. It covers Social Security (6.2% on wages up to $176,100) and Medicare (1.45% on all wages). Total FICA is 7.65% for most workers.

Q.How do I reduce my paycheck taxes?▼

Increase pre-tax contributions to a 401k, HSA, or FSA. These reduce your taxable income dollar-for-dollar. Contributing $500/month to a 401k can save $100-$150/month in taxes depending on your bracket.

Q.How much federal tax is withheld from my paycheck?▼

Federal withholding depends on your W-4 filing status and allowances, gross pay, and pay frequency. A single filer earning $60,000/year has approximately $6,500–$7,500 withheld annually in federal income tax, plus 6.2% Social Security and 1.45% Medicare (FICA) on every paycheck — totaling 7.65% for FICA alone.

Q.What is the difference between gross and net pay?▼

Gross pay is your total earnings before any deductions. Net pay (take-home) is what you actually receive after federal income tax withholding, FICA (Social Security + Medicare), state income tax, health insurance premiums, 401(k) contributions, and any other pre-tax or post-tax deductions are subtracted.

Q.How do I increase my take-home pay without a raise?▼

Maximize pre-tax deductions: contribute to a 401(k) or HSA, which reduces federal taxable income. Adjust your W-4 if you consistently get a large refund — you're giving the IRS an interest-free loan. Check that your filing status is correct. Contribute to a Dependent Care FSA if you have eligible childcare expenses.