Money · Pay
Paycheck Calculator
See what actually lands in your bank account each payday after federal tax, Social Security, Medicare, state tax and pre-tax deductions, using 2026 rules.
Your result
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How to use this paycheck calculator
Enter your salary (or hourly rate and hours), how often you're paid and your filing status. Add your state's income tax rate and any pre-tax deductions such as a 401(k) or health insurance. The result shows your estimated take-home pay per paycheck and per year, with every deduction listed.
How it's calculated
Worked example
- Taxable income = $65,000 − $16,100 standard deduction = $48,900
- Federal tax = 10% × $12,400 + 12% × $36,500 = $5,620
- Social Security = 6.2% × $65,000 = $4,030; Medicare = 1.45% × $65,000 = $942.50
- Take-home = $65,000 − $5,620 − $4,030 − $942.50 = $54,407.50 a year, or about $2,092.60 per paycheck
Why your real paycheck may differ
Employers withhold tax using IRS Publication 15-T and the W-4 you filed, so withholding can run a little higher or lower than the tax you actually owe. Local taxes, state disability insurance, union dues, HSA or FSA contributions, wage garnishments and bonuses taxed at the 22% supplemental rate can also change the number. If your withholding is far off, the gap shows up as a refund or a bill at tax time.
Common questions
How much of my paycheck goes to taxes?
For many workers, federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare together take roughly 15% to 25% of gross pay before state tax. The exact share depends on your income, filing status, deductions and credits.
Does a 401(k) contribution lower my taxes?
A traditional (pre-tax) 401(k) contribution lowers your federal and usually your state income tax, but Social Security and Medicare are still charged on it. A Roth 401(k) doesn't lower today's tax. The 2026 employee limit is $24,500, plus $8,000 at age 50+ or $11,250 at ages 60–63.
What's the difference between biweekly and semimonthly pay?
Biweekly means every two weeks, or 26 paychecks a year (27 in some years). Semimonthly means twice a month, or 24 paychecks. Each semimonthly check is a little larger, but the yearly total is the same.
Are tips and overtime tax-free in 2026?
Under the 2025 tax law, eligible workers may deduct up to $25,000 of qualified tips and up to $12,500 of qualified overtime pay ($25,000 joint) on their tax return through 2028, subject to income limits. Social Security and Medicare still apply, and this calculator doesn't include those deductions.
Why is my first paycheck of the year different?
High earners stop paying Social Security once wages pass $184,500 for the year, so later paychecks can be larger. Benefit elections, raises and bonuses can also change the amount from one check to the next.