Paychecks
How to Read a Pay Stub
Last updated September 2026 · Workly USA editorial team
A pay stub is a record of how your earnings became the amount deposited in your account. Reading it regularly can help you spot missing hours, incorrect rates, or deductions you did not authorize.
Start with the pay period
Check the beginning and ending dates first. Then compare hours, pay rate, overtime, holiday pay, and any bonus line with your own records. Current-period figures show this paycheck; year-to-date figures show the running total.
Gross pay and net pay
Gross pay is earnings before deductions. Net pay is the amount left after taxes, benefits, retirement contributions, garnishments, and other deductions. Taxable wages can be lower than gross pay when eligible pre-tax benefits are withheld.
Federal income tax withholding is a payment toward your eventual tax bill, not a final tax calculation. Social Security and Medicare are separate payroll taxes, and state or local taxes may also appear.
A quick review routine
Compare the stub with your timecard, confirm the pay rate, scan for new deductions, and check year-to-date totals. Save stubs according to your own recordkeeping needs and ask payroll about unexplained changes.
Frequently asked questions
Why is taxable pay different from gross pay?
Eligible pre-tax benefits can reduce wages subject to particular taxes, so taxable wages may be lower than gross earnings.
Why did withholding change?
A new W-4, bonus, benefit election, wage change, or annual tax-table update can change withholding.
What if my hours are wrong?
Keep your time records and contact payroll promptly. If the issue is not resolved, your state labor department can explain available options.
Put this into practice
Use our free browser-based calculator to explore your own numbers. Results are estimates for planning.
Open the Paycheck Calculator →This article is general educational information for American workers, not tax, legal, payroll, or financial advice. Rules vary by state and employer. Verify current requirements with your state labor department or a qualified professional.