Paycheck Calculator
Estimate your take-home pay after federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, state income tax, and common paycheck deductions.
A clearer view of your pay
Enter your earnings and deductions to see an estimated paycheck and how each category affects your take-home pay.
Free educational estimate · No account requiredCalculate your take-home pay
Use your regular gross pay and adjust the optional fields to match your situation as closely as possible.
Estimated take-home pay
After estimated taxes and the deductions you entered.
Paycheck breakdown
BiweeklyThis is a planning estimate, not an official payroll calculation. Your actual paycheck may differ.
How does a paycheck calculator work?
A paycheck calculator estimates how much of your gross wages you may keep after payroll taxes and other deductions. Gross pay is the amount you earn before deductions. Net pay, often called take-home pay, is the amount left after deductions are subtracted.
Your result can change based on pay frequency, filing status, federal withholding elections, state and local taxes, benefits, retirement contributions, and other payroll deductions.
What can come out of your paycheck?
Federal income tax
Federal income tax withholding depends on your wages and the information on your Form W-4. This calculator uses a simplified annualized estimate.
Social Security
For 2026, the employee Social Security tax rate is generally 6.2% on covered wages up to the annual wage base of $184,500.
Medicare
The employee Medicare tax rate is generally 1.45% on covered wages. Additional Medicare tax may apply to higher wages.
State and local taxes
Depending on where you work and live, your paycheck may include state income tax and local taxes. The state rate here is an optional estimate.
Gross pay vs. net pay
Gross pay is your earnings before payroll deductions. Net pay is what remains after taxes, benefits, retirement contributions, and other deductions are taken out.
If your gross paycheck is $2,000 and total taxes and deductions are $500, your estimated take-home pay is $1,500.
How pay frequency affects your paycheck
Pay frequency determines how often you receive wages. A larger paycheck does not necessarily mean you earn more annually; it may simply cover a longer pay period.
| Pay schedule | Typical checks per year | Common pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly | 52 | Every week |
| Biweekly | 26 | Every two weeks |
| Semimonthly | 24 | Twice per month |
| Monthly | 12 | Once per month |
Some calendar years include an extra weekly or biweekly payday depending on your employer’s payroll calendar. This calculator uses the standard annual pay-period counts shown above.
Why your actual paycheck may be different
- Your Form W-4 settings and employer’s withholding method affect federal income tax withholding.
- Some pre-tax benefits reduce federal taxable wages but may still be subject to Social Security or Medicare taxes.
- State and local tax rules differ and may include special deductions or credits.
- Bonuses, overtime, commissions, tips, and irregular pay may be withheld differently.
- Additional Medicare tax and annual Social Security wage limits can affect higher earners.
- Employer benefits and payroll-specific deductions may not be represented in this estimate.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate my take-home pay?
Start with gross wages, then subtract estimated payroll taxes, state or local withholding, and other deductions. This calculator estimates these amounts using the information you enter.
What is the difference between gross pay and net pay?
Gross pay is your earnings before deductions. Net pay is the amount left after taxes and other payroll deductions are taken out.
How accurate is this paycheck calculator?
It is a planning estimate. Federal withholding is simplified, the state tax field uses a flat rate, and actual payroll calculations can depend on your W-4, benefits, location, wage history, and employer’s payroll system.
Does this calculator include Social Security and Medicare?
Yes. It estimates employee Social Security and Medicare taxes using general 2026 rates and the Social Security annual wage base. Certain individual circumstances may change the result.
Does it calculate state income tax for every state?
No. You enter an estimated state income tax rate. It does not automatically apply state-specific tax brackets, local rules, or state deductions.
Why is my paycheck different from my tax refund?
A paycheck shows wages after payroll withholding and deductions. Your tax refund or balance due is determined when your overall tax liability is compared with payments and refundable credits for the tax year.
Where can I check official federal withholding guidance?
Review the IRS’s Publication 15-T and Social Security and Medicare tax guidance.
Official references
For current payroll rules, consult primary government sources:
- IRS Publication 15-T — Federal Income Tax Withholding Methods
- IRS Topic 751 — Social Security and Medicare Withholding Rates
- Social Security Administration — Contribution and Benefit Base
Tax year shown: 2026. Review the official guidance for updates and individual circumstances.
FreeTaxCalculator.us provides general educational information and estimates only. This calculator is not tax, legal, financial, or payroll advice. It does not replace your employer’s payroll system, IRS withholding tools, or advice from a qualified professional.
Make your paycheck easier to understand.
Use the calculator again whenever your earnings or deductions change.