Paycheck Calculator US
Estimate your US take-home pay after federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, state tax and 401(k) — with 2026 figures.
Estimate using 2026 federal figures; not tax advice. State tax is simplified — actual withholding varies. Consult a professional for your situation.
How it works
Enter your annual salary, filing status, pay frequency and your 401(k) and state tax rates. The calculator applies the 2026 federal tax brackets, the standard deduction, Social Security (6.2% up to $184,500) and Medicare (1.45%, plus 0.9% on high earners) to estimate your take-home pay per paycheck.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my take-home pay lower than my salary?
Because federal income tax withholding, FICA (Social Security and Medicare), any state tax, and pre-tax deductions like 401(k) or health premiums are subtracted from your gross pay.
What is FICA?
FICA is the payroll tax funding Social Security (6.2% up to the wage base) and Medicare (1.45% on all wages, plus 0.9% above $200,000).
What is the 2026 Social Security wage base?
$184,500. Social Security tax applies only to wages up to that amount; Medicare has no wage cap.
How do pre-tax deductions affect my paycheck?
They are subtracted before income tax is calculated, lowering your taxable wages and the income tax withheld, which can increase your take-home relative to taxable income.
Does my W-4 change my take-home pay?
Yes. Your W-4 elections tell your employer how much federal income tax to withhold, so they directly affect your net pay each period.
Does this include state income tax?
State tax varies widely — some states have none. The estimate is most accurate for federal and FICA; add your state’s rate for a full picture.
From gross pay to take-home pay
Your gross pay is what you earn before deductions; your net (take-home) pay is what lands in your account after taxes and withholdings. This calculator estimates net pay by subtracting federal income tax withholding, FICA payroll taxes, any state tax, and pre-tax deductions from your gross.
FICA payroll taxes
FICA funds Social Security and Medicare. Social Security is 6.2% of wages up to the annual wage base ($184,500 in 2026); Medicare is 1.45% on all wages, plus an extra 0.9% on earnings above $200,000. Your employer pays a matching share of Social Security and Medicare separately.
Worked example
On a $5,000 monthly gross paycheck, FICA takes about $310 (Social Security) + $72.50 (Medicare) = $382.50. After federal and any state withholding and any pre-tax deductions, the take-home figure is lower still — the calculator combines these to estimate your net.
Pre-tax deductions lower your tax
Contributions to a traditional 401(k), HSA, or employer health premiums are typically taken out before income tax is calculated, which reduces your taxable wages and the tax withheld. Your Form W-4 elections also change how much federal tax your employer withholds each pay period.
Results are estimates for general guidance in United States and may not reflect the latest local rates, fees or rules. Check official sources before making decisions.