Want someone to take home an exact amount? Enter the net amount and the withholding rates, and get the gross payment that covers all the taxes. Useful for bonuses, relocation payments, awards and contractor fees.
Last updated:
$
What the recipient should actually receive.
$
Flat amounts withheld, e.g. a fee.
Tax and deduction rates (% of gross)
%
US supplemental wages: 22% (37% over $1M).
%
%
0 if you are over the yearly wage base.
%
%
e.g. 401(k), pension, union dues.
Enter your values to see the result.
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How to use the Gross Up Calculator
Enter the net amount the recipient should receive.
Enter each withholding rate as a percent of gross, or click a preset.
Add any fixed deductions in money if there are some.
Calculate to get the gross amount and the tax breakdown.
Copy the results or download the breakdown for payroll.
The total rate is the sum of all percentage withholdings (income tax, state tax, Social Security, Medicare and other percentage deductions). Each line item is then gross × its rate, and gross minus all withholdings equals the net you wanted.
Example: a $5,000 net bonus with 22% federal, 5% state, 6.2% Social Security and 1.45% Medicare (34.65% in total) needs a gross of $5,000 ÷ 0.6535 = $7,651.11.
Gross-up multipliers
Multiply the net amount by the factor to get the gross.
Total withholding rate
Multiplier
Gross for $1,000 net
10%
1.1111
$1,111.11
20%
1.2500
$1,250.00
25%
1.3333
$1,333.33
29.65% (22% + FICA)
1.4215
$1,421.46
30%
1.4286
$1,428.57
34.65% (22% + 5% + FICA)
1.5302
$1,530.22
40%
1.6667
$1,666.67
50%
2.0000
$2,000.00
When a gross-up is used
Bonuses and awards promised as a net amount.
Relocation and sign-on payments where the employer covers the tax.
Gifts and prizes paid through payroll.
Contractor or service fees where a withholding tax applies.
Frequently asked questions
What is the gross-up formula?
Gross = net ÷ (1 − total tax rate). If the rates add up to 34.65% and the net should be $5,000, the gross is $5,000 ÷ 0.6535 = $7,651.11. With fixed-dollar deductions, add them to the net first.
Why can't I just add the tax percentage to the net amount?
Because tax is also charged on the extra amount you add. Adding 34.65% to $5,000 gives $6,732.50, but after 34.65% withholding only about $4,399.69 is left. Dividing by (1 − rate) solves this.
What rates should I use for a US bonus?
Employers commonly withhold federal income tax on supplemental wages such as bonuses at a flat 22% (37% on the part above $1 million in a year), plus 6.2% Social Security up to the yearly wage base, 1.45% Medicare, and any state and local tax. Withholding is not the final tax; the actual tax is settled on the tax return.
What if the employee is past the Social Security wage base?
Then no more Social Security tax is withheld for the year, so set that rate to 0. The 'Over SS wage base' preset does this.
Does the employer's share of payroll tax matter?
Employers also pay their own Social Security and Medicare share on the gross amount, which is a cost to the employer but not withheld from the employee. It is not included in the gross here; multiply the gross by the employer rate to estimate it.
Is this tax advice?
No. It is an arithmetic tool based on the rates you enter. Check withholding rules for your country and state, or ask your payroll provider.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.