Paycheck Calculator (US)
US take-home pay per paycheck after federal, FICA, state tax and 401(k).
About this tool
Enter your salary or hourly rate, filing status and pay frequency, then your 401(k) percentage, other pre-tax deductions, an effective state and local tax rate, and any tax credits. You'll see take-home pay per paycheck and per year, with a line-by-line breakdown of every deduction and your federal marginal rate.
How your paycheck is calculated
Gross pay is reduced in a set order. Traditional 401(k) and 403(b) contributions come out before federal income tax, though Social Security and Medicare still apply to them. Health, dental, HSA and FSA premiums paid through payroll usually reduce both. Federal income tax for 2026 is worked out on taxable income after the standard deduction ($16,100 single, $32,200 married filing jointly, $24,150 head of household), using the 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35% and 37% brackets, then reduced by credits. Social Security is 6.2% of wages up to $184,500. Medicare is 1.45% of all wages, plus 0.9% above $200,000 ($250,000 for joint filers). For example, a single filer earning $75,000, paid every two weeks, putting 6% into a 401(k) with $2,400 of health premiums and a 4.5% state rate, takes home about $2,051 per paycheck, roughly 71% of gross. Employers withhold based on your W-4, so actual paychecks can differ slightly from your eventual tax bill, and bonuses are often withheld at a flat 22%. Honest limits: states and cities each have their own brackets, deductions and credits, so enter your effective rate. Itemised deductions, the newer deductions for tips, overtime and seniors, and local payroll taxes aren't modelled in detail. Estimates only, not tax advice. The 401(k) calculator, the salary converter and the overtime pay calculator are related, and Gross vs net salary: what comes off your pay, and how to compare offers explains gross and net pay.
Frequently asked questions
How much is taken out of my paycheck?
Federal income tax (by bracket after the standard deduction), 6.2% Social Security, 1.45% Medicare, state and local tax, plus any 401(k) and benefit deductions.
What is the 2026 standard deduction?
$16,100 for single filers, $32,200 for married filing jointly and $24,150 for head of household.
Do 401(k) contributions lower my taxes?
Traditional contributions reduce federal and most state income tax, but not Social Security or Medicare. Roth contributions don't reduce current tax.
Is anything stored?
No. Calculations run in your browser and nothing is stored or sent.