This calculator uses the 2026 federal tax brackets, the 2026 standard deduction, and current FICA rates. State tax is a simplified estimate. Results are educational, not tax advice.
How the paycheck calculator works
Your gross salary is not what you take home. Several taxes come out of every paycheck before the money reaches you. This tool estimates each one the same way payroll systems do.
1. Federal income tax
The U.S. uses progressive tax brackets. We subtract the 2026 standard deduction (and any pre-tax deductions you enter) from your salary, then apply the 2026 federal rates from 10% up to 37%. Only the income inside each bracket is taxed at that bracket's rate.
2. FICA — Social Security and Medicare
Everyone pays FICA on wages. Social Security is 6.2% on income up to the 2026 wage base of $184,500. Medicare is 1.45% on all wages, plus an extra 0.9% on income above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married). See our deductions guide for details.
3. State income tax
State tax varies enormously. Nine states take no income tax from your wages at all — see the no-income-tax states. Others range from about 2.5% to over 8%. This calculator uses a simplified rate per state to give you a ballpark; your real state tax depends on that state's own brackets and deductions.
Guides & resources
Want to understand your paycheck and taxes better? These plain-English guides cover it all:
- How to read your pay stub — every line explained.
- Gross vs net pay — why take-home is smaller than salary.
- 2026 federal tax brackets explained — with examples.
- How much of my paycheck goes to taxes?
- How to increase your take-home pay — 6 legit ways.
- See all guides →
Frequently asked questions
Is this paycheck calculator accurate?
It gives a close estimate using the official 2026 federal brackets, standard deduction and FICA rates. State income tax is simplified to a single representative rate per state, so it won't match your exact state withholding. It also doesn't include local city taxes, health insurance premiums, or other custom deductions. Treat it as a strong ballpark, not an exact pay stub.
What's the difference between gross pay and take-home pay?
Gross pay is your full salary before anything is taken out. Take-home (net) pay is what remains after federal tax, Social Security, Medicare, state tax and any deductions. This calculator estimates the gap between the two.
How do pre-tax deductions like a 401(k) affect my paycheck?
Traditional 401(k), HSA and similar contributions lower your taxable income, so you pay less federal and state income tax. But they still leave your paycheck — the money goes into your account. Note that 401(k) contributions do not reduce Social Security or Medicare taxes.
Which states have no income tax?
Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming don't tax wage income. See our full guide for the details and trade-offs.
Does this replace advice from a tax professional?
No. This is a free educational estimator. For decisions about withholding, deductions or filing, consult a qualified tax professional or use the IRS withholding estimator.