What does this Paycheck Calculator do?
This tool calculates your take-home pay (net salary, after-tax income, or "what you really get paid") from your gross pay after federal, state tax, Medicare, Social Security, and selected common deductions. It works for most US salary and hourly jobs, and shows a breakdown per-paycheck.
How to Use
- Enter your gross amount (per paycheck, year, or hour) and select the type.
- Choose how often you get paid.
- Select your tax filing status and state (affects tax rates).
- Add any pre-tax or post-tax deductions (401k, HSA, wage garnishments, etc).
- Click Calculate — see the take-home and full breakdown instantly.
- Use "Copy Breakdown" to save your full result.
Sample Calculation
Example: Gross Pay = $2800 per pay period, biweekly, single, California, pre-tax deduction (401k) $150.
| Item | Amount |
|---|
| Gross Pay | $2,800.00 |
| Pre-Tax Deductions | -$150.00 |
| Taxable Income | $2,650.00 |
| Federal Tax | -$299.19 |
| State Tax (CA) | -$72.07 |
| Social Security | -$164.30 |
| Medicare | -$38.43 |
| Post-Tax Deductions | -$0.00 |
| Net Pay | $2,024.44 |
Notes & Assumptions
- Federal and CA state taxes use 2024 standard tables. Check with a pay stub or accountant for your details.
- Assumes standard deduction, no extra allowances/credits, no local/city/net investment taxes, and no additional withholdings.
- For post-tax deduction, enter things like wage garnishment, union dues, parking, etc.
- This tool is informational; results are estimates and not tax or legal advice.
FAQ
- Can I use this for hourly jobs? Yes—just set "Gross Pay" to "Hourly Rate" and provide your pay frequency.
- Does this handle bonuses or freelance gigs? Yes, but solid estimates only if you use salary/hourly logic, not for complex self-employment tax.
- Does this account for dependents, local taxes, or special credits? No—adjust manually or consult a professional for complex tax scenarios.
- Why is my actual paycheck different? Check the specifics on your W-4, pay stub, local taxes, non-standard deductions, or company-specific benefits.