How to use the Paycheck Calculator
Enter the gross pay per paycheck, pre-tax deductions per paycheck, state income tax and extra federal withholding per paycheck and the result appears straight away. Everything runs in your browser, so nothing you type is uploaded.
The formula
Net = gross − federal − Social Security (6.2%) − Medicare (1.45%) − state − pre-tax items.
Examples
- $3,000 biweekly, single, 4% state tax
Take-home pay: $2,330.12 per paycheck Gross pay: $3,000.00 Federal income tax: $320.38 Social Security: $186.00
- Same pay with $200 pre-tax 401(k)
Take-home pay: $2,182.12 per paycheck Gross pay: $3,000.00 Federal income tax: $276.38 Social Security: $186.00
- $5,000 monthly, single, 5% state tax
Take-home pay: $3,949.17 per paycheck Gross pay: $5,000.00 Federal income tax: $418.33 Social Security: $310.00
Limitations and assumptions
Annualised 2026 estimate using the standard deduction. Excludes local taxes, credits, dependents, additional Medicare tax and benefit-specific rules. Your payroll provider's figures prevail.
Frequently asked questions
What is deducted from a paycheck?
Federal income tax, Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), any state or local tax and pre-tax items such as health insurance and 401(k) contributions.
Why does my real paycheck differ?
Withholding depends on your W-4, local taxes and benefit deductions that an estimate cannot see.
Do pre-tax contributions lower tax?
Yes. Traditional 401(k) and health premiums reduce taxable income.
Is this tax advice?
No. It is an estimate; confirm with your payroll provider or a tax professional.