Paycheck Calculator: What Your Salary Actually Pays You
A $100,000 salary doesn't mean $100,000 in your bank account. After federal, state, FICA, and pre-tax deductions, the typical US worker takes home 70-78%. Here's how to use the Paycheck Calculator to forecast exact net pay.
Use the calculator
Paycheck Calculator
Step-by-step
- 1
Enter gross annual or per-paycheck pay
The calculator accepts either. If you're paid biweekly, divide annual by 26. Monthly: divide by 12.
- 2
Pick your filing status
Single, married filing jointly, head of household. Filing status changes the federal tax brackets you fall into.
- 3
Add your state
No state tax: AK, FL, NV, NH, SD, TN, TX, WA, WY. High tax: CA, HI, NY, NJ, OR. The calculator applies state-specific brackets.
- 4
Enter pre-tax deductions
401(k), HSA, FSA, health insurance — all reduce taxable income. Increasing 401(k) by $200/mo only reduces take-home by ~$140-150 because of tax savings.
- 5
Read the result
Calculator shows federal tax, state tax, FICA (Social Security 6.2% + Medicare 1.45%), pre-tax deductions, and final net per paycheck.
💡 Tips
- Adjust W-4 withholding if you're consistently getting big refunds — that's your money sitting interest-free with the IRS for a year.
- FICA caps Social Security at $168,600 income (2026). Income above that doesn't pay the 6.2%, only the 1.45% Medicare.
- High earners pay an extra 0.9% Medicare surtax above $200k single / $250k joint.
FAQ
Why does my actual paycheck differ from the calculator?
Most common: pre-tax deductions you forgot to include, garnishments, or additional voluntary withholding. Compare line by line with your pay stub.
Does this include city taxes?
Not by default. NYC, Philly, San Francisco, and a few others charge city tax. Add manually as additional state-style withholding.
How accurate is FICA?
Very. FICA is 7.65% flat (6.2 SS + 1.45 Medicare) up to the SS cap. It's the most predictable part of the paycheck.
Disclaimer. This guide is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not financial, tax, or legal advice. Calculator results are estimates based on the figures and assumptions you enter; rates and tax rules change and vary by situation. Consult a licensed professional before making financial decisions. Read our editorial policy.