Gross to Net Paycheck Calculator

The gross-to-net calculation answers the most fundamental paycheck question: "I earn $X — what do I actually take home?" Starting from your gross salary (before any deductions), this calculator walks through every layer of withholding in the correct order.

First, pre-tax deductions (401k, HSA, health insurance premiums, FSA) are subtracted from gross to calculate taxable wages. Then federal income tax is calculated on taxable wages using the IRS percentage method. Then FICA: Social Security (6.2% up to $176,100) and Medicare (1.45% on all wages, plus 0.9% above $200K). Then state income tax on state taxable wages. Then state-specific deductions (SDI, PFML, etc.). Finally, post-tax deductions (Roth 401k, garnishments, union dues) are subtracted to arrive at net pay.

This calculator shows all steps in a detailed breakdown so you can see exactly where each dollar goes — and identify where pre-tax elections can increase your take-home.

Country

Gross income

$

United States settings

Take-home pay /2 wks

$2,793

$72,616 / year

$3,846

Gross /2 wks

$1,053

Total deductions

27.4%

Effective tax rate

22.0%

Marginal tax rate

Take-home72.6%
Take-home$72,616
Federal/Income tax$13,459
State/local$900
FICA / NI / CPP$7,650

Disclaimer

This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Actual tax withholding may vary based on specific circumstances. This is not tax, legal, or financial advice. Consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

No personal data leaves your browser. All calculations happen locally. Shareable links encode your inputs in the URL — don't share links with sensitive salary details publicly.

Tax tables: 2026 IRS Publication 15-T | HMRC 2025-2026 | CRA 2026 | ATO 2025-2026 | Income Tax India FY 2025-26

Key Tax Facts

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Pre-tax deductions reduce federal and state taxable wages before tax is calculated.

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Federal income tax uses the IRS percentage method applied to annualized taxable wages.

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FICA = Social Security (6.2% up to $176,100) + Medicare (1.45% + 0.9% surtax).

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State income tax varies from 0% (TX, FL, NV, etc.) to 13.3% (CA) on wages.

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Net pay = Gross − Pre-tax deductions − Federal tax − FICA − State taxes − Post-tax deductions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between gross and net pay?expand_more
Gross pay is your total wages before any deductions — the salary you negotiated or your hourly rate times hours worked. Net pay is what you actually receive in your bank account after federal income tax, state income tax, FICA, and all other deductions. The gap between gross and net is often larger than people expect, especially for middle-to-high earners in high-tax states.
What is the order of deductions in a paycheck?expand_more
Pre-tax deductions (401k, HSA, FSA, health premiums) come first, reducing taxable gross. Then federal withholding is calculated. Then FICA (SS + Medicare). Then state income tax and state-specific deductions. Then post-tax deductions (Roth 401k, garnishments). What remains is net pay. Each layer affects subsequent ones — pre-tax deductions reduce both federal and state taxes.
Why does my paycheck have a different withholding each period?expand_more
Paychecks can vary if your gross changes (overtime, bonuses, variable hours), if deductions change mid-year, if you cross the Social Security wage cap ($176,100), or if PFML/SDI wage bases are reached. Once the SS wage base is hit, Social Security withholding stops for the rest of the year — creating a noticeable increase in net pay around October–November for high earners.

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