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Free Paycheck Calculator

Last updated: 2026-03-31

Calculate your net take-home pay from your gross salary or hourly wages. This calculator estimates federal income tax, state income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and pre-tax deductions for all 50 states — so you know exactly what lands in your bank account each pay period. 100% free, no signup required.

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Paycheck Breakdown

AnnualPer Paycheck
Gross Pay
$75,000.00$2,884.62
Taxes
Federal Income Tax
$-7,960.00$-306.15
Social Security (6.2%)
$-4,650.00$-178.85
Medicare (1.45%)
$-1,087.50$-41.83
California State Tax
$-6,975.00$-268.27
Total Deductions
$-20,672.50$-795.10
Net Take-Home Pay
$54,327.50$2,089.52
27.6%
Effective Tax Rate
$2,089.52
Per Paycheck
$4,527.29
Monthly Take-Home
California: 1-13.3% graduated; 9.3% at ~$70K. State tax shown is an estimate using a simplified effective rate. Actual tax may vary based on deductions, credits, and local/city taxes.

How to Use This Paycheck Calculator

Enter your gross salary (annual or per pay period) or hourly rate and hours worked. Select your pay frequency, filing status, and state of residence. The calculator applies the 2026 federal tax brackets, your state's income tax rates, and FICA rates to estimate your net take-home pay with a detailed breakdown of every deduction.

You can also add pre-tax deductions like 401(k) contributions, HSA contributions, and health insurance premiums to see how they reduce your taxable income and increase your take-home pay. All calculations run entirely in your browser — no data is sent to any server.

This tool is designed for W-2 employees. If you're self-employed, remember that you pay both the employee and employer portions of FICA (15.3% total) and should use estimated quarterly tax payments. For precise withholding, always cross-reference with the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is federal income tax calculated on my paycheck?
Federal income tax is calculated using the IRS progressive tax brackets for your filing status. Your taxable income (gross pay minus pre-tax deductions like 401(k) contributions and health insurance premiums) is applied against the 2026 brackets: 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37%. The calculator uses the cumulative bracket method to determine the exact withholding for each pay period.
What is FICA and how much is withheld?
FICA stands for the Federal Insurance Contributions Act and includes two taxes: Social Security (6.2% on wages up to the 2026 wage base of $176,100) and Medicare (1.45% on all wages, plus an additional 0.9% on wages over $200,000 for single filers or $250,000 for married filing jointly). Your employer matches the 6.2% and 1.45% portions.
How do pre-tax deductions affect my take-home pay?
Pre-tax deductions like 401(k) contributions, HSA contributions, and employer-sponsored health insurance premiums reduce your taxable income before federal and state income taxes are calculated. This means you pay less in income tax. However, most pre-tax deductions (except Section 125 cafeteria plan items) are still subject to FICA taxes.
Does filing status affect my paycheck withholding?
Yes, significantly. Your filing status (Single, Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, Head of Household) determines which tax brackets and standard deduction apply. For example, Married Filing Jointly brackets are roughly double the Single brackets, meaning less tax is withheld per paycheck for the same gross income. Head of Household also gets wider brackets and a higher standard deduction than Single.
Which states have no income tax?
Nine states have no state income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. Note that New Hampshire and Washington tax certain investment or capital gains income but not wages. If you live and work in one of these states, your take-home pay will be higher than in states with income tax.
How do I calculate take-home pay for hourly employees?
Multiply the hourly rate by hours worked per pay period (including any overtime at 1.5x the regular rate). That gives you gross pay. Then subtract federal income tax withholding, state income tax, Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), and any pre-tax deductions. The calculator handles this automatically when you enter your hourly rate and hours.
What is the difference between gross pay and net pay?
Gross pay is your total earnings before any deductions — your salary or hourly wages times hours worked. Net pay (take-home pay) is what you actually receive after subtracting federal income tax, state income tax, FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare), and any voluntary deductions like retirement contributions, health insurance, and garnishments.
How often should I review my paycheck withholding?
Review your withholding at least once a year and after any major life event: marriage, divorce, having a child, buying a home, or starting a side job. Use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator (irs.gov) alongside this calculator to ensure you're neither over-withholding (giving the IRS an interest-free loan) nor under-withholding (risking a penalty at tax time).

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