Paycheck Calculator

What it does

How to use Paycheck Calculator

1. 1
   Select your country

   Choose from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, or India at the top. The input fields and currency update automatically.

2. 2
   Enter your gross income

   Type your gross pay amount and select how often you're paid (hourly, bi-weekly, monthly, etc.).

3. 3
   Configure country-specific settings

   For the US: choose your state and filing status. For other countries, fill in the relevant fields (tax code, province, regime, etc.).

4. 4
   Add deductions (optional)

   Open the Deductions section to enter 401(k), HSA, health insurance, and other pre/post-tax contributions.

5. 5
   Read your results

   View your take-home pay per period and annually, with a full line-item breakdown and visual donut chart.

When to use this

Common errors & fixes

Take-home is unexpectedly low

Check that your pay frequency is correct. A monthly salary entered as bi-weekly will annualize to ~2× the real amount.

401(k) limit warning appears

The per-period amount you entered will exceed the IRS annual limit when multiplied by pay periods. Reduce the per-period contribution.

State tax seems too high

High-income states like California and New York have marginal rates above 10%. Verify your state selection and filing status.

Reverse mode result seems off

Reverse mode uses binary search — results are accurate to within $0.01. For very large incomes, the search range auto-scales.

Technical details

Frequently Asked Questions

How much of my paycheck goes to taxes?

For most American workers earning $50,000–$150,000, total taxes (federal, state, and FICA) consume 25–35% of gross pay. The exact percentage depends on your filing status, state, and deductions. This calculator shows your precise effective tax rate.

What is the difference between gross and net pay?

Gross pay is your total earnings before any deductions. Net pay (take-home pay) is what lands in your bank account after federal tax, state tax, FICA (Social Security and Medicare), and any deductions like 401(k) or health insurance are subtracted.

What are FICA taxes?

FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) taxes fund Social Security and Medicare. Employees pay 6.2% for Social Security (on wages up to $176,100 in 2026) and 1.45% for Medicare (no cap). High earners pay an additional 0.9% Medicare on income over $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married).

How does a 401(k) contribution affect my paycheck?

Traditional 401(k) contributions are pre-tax, so they reduce your federal and state taxable income. A $500/month 401(k) contribution typically reduces your take-home by only $350–$380, not the full $500, because you save on taxes. Roth 401(k) contributions are post-tax and don't reduce current taxes.

What is the difference between bi-weekly and semi-monthly pay?

Bi-weekly means paid every two weeks — 26 pay periods per year. Semi-monthly means paid twice a month (typically the 1st and 15th) — 24 pay periods per year. For the same annual salary, bi-weekly paychecks are slightly smaller but you get two extra checks per year.

Which US states have no income tax?

Nine states have no income tax on wages: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. Washington has a capital gains tax but no wage income tax. New Hampshire taxes only interest and dividends, not wages.

Is this paycheck calculator accurate?

This calculator uses current IRS and state tax tables and the official percentage withholding method (IRS Publication 15-T). Results are typically within $5–$10 of official calculators for standard W-2 employees. Accuracy may vary for unusual situations like multi-state income, non-resident status, or complex W-4 elections.

How is overtime pay calculated?

For hourly workers, select 'Hourly' frequency and enter your hourly rate. In Advanced Options, add your overtime hours per week and the overtime multiplier (default 1.5×). The calculator projects annual overtime pay and includes it in the tax calculation.

What does effective tax rate mean?

Your effective tax rate is the percentage of your gross income actually paid in taxes. It's always lower than your marginal rate because lower income is taxed at lower brackets. If you earn $80,000 and pay $14,000 in taxes, your effective rate is 17.5% even if your marginal rate is 22%.

How do I calculate gross from net (net to gross)?

Toggle the 'Net → Gross' switch and enter your desired take-home pay. The calculator uses a binary-search algorithm to find the gross salary needed to produce that exact net amount, accounting for all taxes and deductions.

Are these calculations tax advice?

No. This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Actual withholding may differ based on individual circumstances, amended W-4 elections, additional income sources, or state-specific rules. Consult a qualified tax professional for personalized advice.

When do tax rates change?

The IRS typically publishes new tax brackets in October–November each year (via Revenue Procedure). US state tax tables update December–January. The UK tax year starts April 6. India updates after the Union Budget (usually February). This calculator is updated each year within 30 days of official publication.

How does HSA contribution affect taxes?

HSA contributions made through payroll (employer pre-tax) avoid federal income tax, state income tax, AND FICA taxes — the only deduction that avoids all three. In 2026, the limit is $4,300 for self-only coverage and $8,550 for family coverage. A fully maxed HSA family contribution can save $1,500–$2,000 per year in taxes.

Why is my actual paycheck different from this estimate?

Common reasons: your W-4 has specific additional withholding or allowances entered; you work in a state with local city taxes not included; you have employer-paid benefits affecting your net; or you receive bonuses taxed at the 22% supplemental rate. Check your most recent paystub line-by-line and compare.

Related Tools