Paycheck Calculator
Estimate how much of each paycheck you actually take home. Enter hourly or salary pay, how often you are paid, your own tax percentages and deductions, and see net pay per check, per month and per year. It is an estimate, not a pay stub.
Paid at 1.5× your rate
Your average (effective) rate, not your top bracket
0% in states with no income tax
Health insurance, HSA, FSA
Roth 401(k), union dues, garnishments
How to use the Paycheck Calculator
- Choose hourly or salary and enter your rate, hours and any overtime, or your annual salary.
- Pick your pay frequency: weekly, every two weeks, twice a month or monthly.
- Enter tax percentages: your average federal, state and local rates. Leave FICA on unless you are exempt.
- Add deductions: 401(k) percent, health insurance and other pre-tax items, plus any after-tax deductions.
- Press Calculate net pay to see take-home pay per check and the full breakdown.
Paycheck formula
- Gross per check = annual gross pay ÷ number of paychecks per year
- Hourly annual gross = (rate × regular hours + rate × 1.5 × overtime hours) × 52
- Taxable wages = gross − 401(k) − other pre-tax deductions
- Income taxes = taxable wages × (federal % + state % + local %)
- FICA = (gross − section 125 deductions) × 7.65%
- Net pay = gross − pre-tax deductions − income taxes − FICA − after-tax deductions
Example: a $60,000 salary paid biweekly is $2,307.69 gross per check. With 5% to a 401(k) ($115.38) and $75 of health insurance, taxable wages are $2,117.31. At 12% federal and 4% state that is $338.77 of income tax, and FICA on $2,232.69 is $170.80. Net pay is about $1,607.74 per check.
Paychecks per year by pay frequency
| Pay frequency | Paychecks per year | Gross per check on $60,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly | 52 | $1,153.85 |
| Biweekly (every 2 weeks) | 26 | $2,307.69 |
| Semi-monthly (twice a month) | 24 | $2,500.00 |
| Monthly | 12 | $5,000.00 |
Some years have 53 weekly or 27 biweekly paydays depending on the calendar. Your employer may then divide the salary differently.
Pre-tax vs after-tax deductions
| Deduction | Lowers income tax? | Lowers FICA? |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional 401(k) / 403(b) | Yes | No |
| Health, dental, vision premiums (section 125) | Yes | Yes |
| HSA through payroll | Yes | Yes |
| Roth 401(k) | No | No |
| Union dues, garnishments | No | No |
Frequently asked questions
How is take-home pay calculated?
Net pay = gross pay − pre-tax deductions − income taxes − FICA − after-tax deductions. Income taxes are charged on gross pay minus pre-tax deductions such as a traditional 401(k) and health insurance premiums.
What is FICA and why is it 7.65%?
FICA is the US payroll tax for Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%), together 7.65% of wages for employees. Social Security tax stops once yearly wages pass the wage base ($176,100 in 2025), and earnings over $200,000 owe an extra 0.9% Medicare tax.
What federal tax percentage should I enter?
Use your effective (average) rate, not your top bracket. You can estimate it from last year's return: total federal income tax divided by gross income. Many middle-income workers land between 5% and 15%.
Does a 401(k) contribution reduce FICA tax?
No. Traditional 401(k) contributions lower your income-taxable wages, but they are still subject to Social Security and Medicare tax. Section 125 deductions like health insurance premiums usually reduce both.
What is the difference between biweekly and semi-monthly pay?
Biweekly means every two weeks, 26 paychecks a year. Semi-monthly means twice a month, 24 paychecks a year, so each semi-monthly check is a little larger for the same salary.
How is overtime calculated?
This calculator pays overtime hours at 1.5 times your hourly rate, the standard US rule for hours over 40 in a workweek for non-exempt employees. Some states and contracts have other rules.
Is this calculator exact?
No. It applies flat percentages you choose, while real withholding uses tax brackets, your W-4, credits and local rules. Use it for budgeting and check your pay stub or a payroll professional for exact figures.