Paycheck Calculator
A simple take-home estimate. Enter your gross pay for one pay period, how often you are paid, and an estimated overall tax withholding rate.
Your details
Federal, state and FICA combined. Check a recent pay stub for your real rate.
401(k), HSA, most health premiums.
Roth 401(k), garnishments, union dues.
Results update as you type.
$1,872.00
Estimated take-home pay per paycheck
- Gross pay
- $2,400.00
- Pre-tax deductions
- − $0.00
- Estimated taxes withheld
- − $528.00
- Post-tax deductions
- − $0.00
- Estimated net pay
- $1,872.00
- Effective deduction rate
- 22%
- Annual gross
- $62,400
- Estimated annual net
- $48,672
Based on 26 pay periods per year.
How this calculator works
- 1Pre-tax deductions are subtracted from gross pay first, because they lower taxable wages.
- 2The estimated tax rate you enter is applied to the remaining taxable amount.
- 3Post-tax deductions come out last to give estimated net pay.
Formula
Net pay ≈ (Gross − Pre-tax deductions) − ((Gross − Pre-tax deductions) × Tax rate) − Post-tax deductions
Worked example
- Gross pay of $2,400 every two weeks with $150 going into a 401(k).
- Taxable pay is $2,250. At a 22% combined rate, withholding is $495.
- Estimated take-home pay is $1,755 per paycheck, about $45,630 per year.
What we assume
- One blended withholding rate stands in for federal, state, local and FICA taxes.
- Real payroll uses filing status, allowances, wage brackets and state-specific rules.
- Nothing you type is sent to a server or stored.
Frequently asked questions
What tax rate should I enter?
Divide the total deductions line on a recent pay stub by the gross pay on that stub. Many US workers land somewhere between 18% and 30%.
Why isn't this exact?
Actual withholding depends on your W-4, filing status, state, local taxes and year-to-date wages. This tool gives a planning estimate, not a payroll calculation.
Do pre-tax deductions really save money?
They reduce taxable wages, so each dollar contributed costs you less than a dollar of take-home pay.
Results are estimates based on the information you provide and may differ from your actual paycheck. This calculator is for informational and planning purposes and is not tax, payroll, legal, or financial advice.