Calculate your paycheck, take-home pay, and tax withholdings with our comprehensive payroll calculator. Get accurate estimates for federal taxes, state taxes, FICA, and other deductions to understand your net pay.
Enter your salary or hourly rate to calculate your paycheck
A payroll calculator is an essential tool that helps employees and employers estimate take-home pay after taxes and deductions. Our comprehensive paycheck calculator considers federal taxes, state taxes, FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare), and other common deductions to provide accurate net pay calculations. Whether you're calculating salary or hourly wages, this payroll estimator helps you understand exactly how much money you'll receive in each paycheck.
Paycheck calculations start with your gross pay (total earnings before deductions) and subtract various taxes and deductions to arrive at your net pay (take-home amount). Federal income tax withholding depends on your filing status, number of allowances, and income level. State income tax varies by state, with some states having no income tax. FICA taxes include Social Security (6.2% up to the wage base) and Medicare (1.45% on all earnings). Additional deductions may include health insurance premiums, retirement contributions, and other voluntary deductions.
Different pay periods affect how your annual salary is divided: weekly (52 paychecks), bi-weekly (26 paychecks), semi-monthly (24 paychecks), and monthly (12 paychecks). Bi-weekly is the most common pay period in the United States. For hourly employees, calculations multiply your hourly rate by hours worked per pay period. Overtime pay (typically 1.5x regular rate) applies to hours over 40 per week for non-exempt employees.
Federal tax withholding uses IRS tax tables based on your W-4 form information. State tax withholding varies significantly by state - some states like Texas, Florida, and Washington have no state income tax, while others like California and New York have higher rates. Pre-tax deductions (like 401k contributions and health insurance) reduce your taxable income, while post-tax deductions (like Roth 401k contributions) are taken from after-tax dollars. Understanding these differences helps you optimize your paycheck and tax strategy.
Our payroll calculator provides estimates based on current federal and state tax rates. Actual paychecks may vary due to specific deductions, tax credits, or employer-specific factors. For precise calculations, consult your HR department or tax professional.
Gross pay is your total earnings before any deductions (taxes, insurance, etc.). Net pay is your take-home amount after all deductions are subtracted. The paycheck calculator shows both amounts to help you understand your complete compensation picture.
To convert salary to hourly wage, divide your annual salary by 2,080 (40 hours × 52 weeks). For example, a $52,000 salary equals $25/hour. Our calculator automatically handles these conversions for different pay periods.
Common paycheck deductions include federal income tax, state income tax (if applicable), Social Security tax (6.2%), Medicare tax (1.45%), and potentially local taxes. Some states have no income tax, while others may have additional disability or unemployment taxes.
Use a payroll calculator when starting a new job, getting a raise, changing tax withholdings, moving to a different state, or planning major financial decisions. Regular use helps you budget effectively and understand your true earning power.
This calculator provides basic payroll estimates. For overtime calculations (typically 1.5x regular rate for hours over 40/week), you'll need to manually calculate overtime hours and add them to your regular pay before using the calculator.
States without income tax include Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. If you live in these states, you'll only pay federal taxes and FICA taxes, resulting in higher take-home pay.
Pre-tax deductions (401k, health insurance, HSA contributions) reduce your taxable income, lowering your tax burden and increasing your take-home pay relative to the taxes owed. Post-tax deductions are taken after taxes are calculated.
Bi-weekly pay (26 paychecks/year) is most common and provides good budgeting consistency. Monthly pay (12 paychecks) offers larger amounts but requires more careful budgeting. Weekly pay (52 paychecks) provides the most frequent income but smaller amounts per check.
Maximize take-home pay by optimizing tax withholdings (avoid large refunds), contributing to pre-tax accounts (401k, HSA), understanding your tax bracket, and taking advantage of employer benefits. Consider consulting a tax professional for personalized strategies.