Enter your gross pay and a few details to see an estimated breakdown of your take-home pay — federal taxes, FICA, and any deductions you choose to include. Results are estimates only; state taxes are not included in v1.
How this calculator works
Uses 2024–2025 federal income tax brackets with the standard deduction applied automatically (Single: $14,600 / MFJ: $29,200). Federal withholding is estimated by annualizing your gross pay, applying brackets to taxable income, and dividing by pay periods. FICA uses fixed statutory rates: Social Security at 6.2% (up to the $168,600 wage base) and Medicare at 1.45%.
State income tax is not included in v1. A state estimate will be added in a future update. See the full methodology page for all assumptions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between gross pay and net pay?
Gross pay is your total earnings before any deductions. Net pay — take-home pay — is what remains after federal taxes, FICA, and other deductions are subtracted. For most workers, net pay is 25–35% lower than gross pay.
What are pre-tax deductions?
Pre-tax deductions are withheld before taxes are calculated, reducing your taxable income. Common examples: traditional 401(k) contributions, employer health insurance premiums, HSA contributions. They lower your federal (and usually state) tax bill.
Why doesn't this calculator include state taxes?
State income tax rates vary significantly across all 50 states — and nine states have no income tax at all. This v1 focuses on the federal baseline to keep results reliable. State estimation will be added in a future update.
Why might my actual paycheck differ from this estimate?
This tool uses a simplified withholding model. Your actual withholding depends on W-4 elections, additional withholding amounts, credits for dependents, local taxes, garnishments, and employer benefit deductions.
What is FICA?
FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) covers Social Security (6.2% up to the annual wage base) and Medicare (1.45% of all wages). Your employer matches both — total FICA is 15.3%, split equally between you and your employer.
How do I use this with the overtime calculator?
First use the overtime pay calculator to find your total gross pay including overtime. Then enter that gross figure here to estimate take-home pay after taxes and deductions.