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Paycheck Calculator
Estimate your take-home pay after federal taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and pre-tax deductions.
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Gross Pay per Check
Federal Income Tax
Social Security Tax
Medicare Tax
Net Pay per Check
Annual Net Pay
Calculated in your browser. We never see your numbers.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter your annual salary and select how often you are paid — weekly (52 times/year), biweekly (26 times/year), semi-monthly (24 times/year), or monthly (12 times/year). Choose your federal filing status (Single or Married Filing Jointly), enter your traditional 401(k) contribution percentage, and any additional pre-tax deductions per paycheck (such as health insurance premiums or FSA contributions). Click Calculate to see your estimated gross pay, federal income tax, Social Security tax, Medicare tax, net take-home pay per check, and annual net income.
Paycheck Calculation Formula
This calculator uses 2026 federal tax brackets and withholding rules. Your gross pay per check equals your annual salary divided by the number of pay periods. Pre-tax 401(k) contributions and other pre-tax deductions reduce your federal taxable income before the standard deduction is applied. Federal income tax is calculated using the progressive bracket system — only income within each bracket is taxed at that rate. Social Security tax is 6.2% on wages up to the $184,500 wage base. Medicare tax is 1.45% on all wages, plus an additional 0.9% on income above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married). Net pay is your gross pay minus all taxes and pre-tax deductions.
Example Calculation
Consider someone earning $60,000 per year, paid biweekly, filing single, with no 401(k) or other deductions. Their gross pay per check is $60,000 ÷ 26 = $2,307.69. Federal taxable income is $60,000 − $15,000 standard deduction = $45,000. Federal income tax is $1,192.50 (10% on first $11,925) + $3,969.00 (12% on the next $33,075) = $5,161.50 per year, or $198.52 per check. Social Security: $60,000 × 6.2% ÷ 26 = $143.08 per check. Medicare: $60,000 × 1.45% ÷ 26 = $33.46 per check. Net take-home pay: $2,307.69 − $198.52 − $143.08 − $33.46 = $1,932.63 per check.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is FICA tax?
FICA stands for the Federal Insurance Contributions Act. It refers to the combined payroll taxes that fund Social Security and Medicare. In 2026, employees pay 6.2% of wages toward Social Security (up to the $184,500 wage base) and 1.45% toward Medicare, for a total FICA rate of 7.65%. High earners also pay an additional 0.9% Medicare surtax on wages above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly).
How do I read my pay stub?
Your pay stub typically shows your gross pay (total earnings before deductions), followed by itemized deductions: federal income tax withheld, Social Security tax, Medicare tax, state/local taxes (if applicable), and any pre-tax benefit deductions like 401(k), health insurance, or FSA contributions. Your net pay — or take-home pay — is what remains after all deductions. Pre-tax deductions reduce your gross pay before federal income tax is calculated, which lowers your tax bill.
What is Social Security tax?
Social Security tax is a 6.2% payroll tax paid by employees on earned wages. In 2026, it applies only to the first $184,500 of wages — known as the Social Security wage base. Your employer matches this 6.2% contribution. Once your cumulative wages exceed the wage base in a calendar year, no additional Social Security tax is withheld for the remainder of that year.
What is the Medicare tax rate?
The standard Medicare tax rate is 1.45% on all wages, with no wage cap. Employees earning above $200,000 (single filers) or $250,000 (married filing jointly) also pay an Additional Medicare Tax of 0.9% on wages exceeding that threshold. Employers withhold this extra 0.9% when your wages exceed $200,000 regardless of filing status. This calculator applies both the standard and additional Medicare tax based on your annual salary and filing status.
How does my 401(k) contribution reduce my paycheck?
Traditional 401(k) contributions are made pre-tax, which means they are deducted from your gross pay before federal income tax is calculated. For example, if you earn $60,000 annually and contribute 6% ($3,600), your federal taxable income drops to $56,400 — reducing your federal income tax. However, 401(k) contributions do not reduce your Social Security or Medicare taxes, which are based on your full gross wages. This makes a 401(k) a powerful way to lower your current tax bill while saving for retirement.
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