US Paycheck Calculator
Estimate your take-home pay per paycheck after federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, state income tax, 401(k) and health-insurance deductions.
Your pay
- Take-home 82%
- Taxes 18%
- Pre-tax deductions 0%
| Per paycheck | Amount | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Gross pay | $2,885 | $75,000 |
| Federal income tax | -$295 | -$7,670 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$179 | -$4,650 |
| Medicare (1.45%+) | -$42 | -$1,088 |
| State tax (Texas) | $0 | $0 |
| 401(k) | $0 | $0 |
| Health insurance | $0 | $0 |
| Take-home | $2,369 | $61,593 |
Estimate for a W-2 employee using the standard deduction. Excludes local/city tax (e.g. NYC), state disability and paid-leave premiums, and extra withholding from your W-4.
Quick answer
Your paycheck is gross pay minus federal income tax, Social Security (6.2% up to the wage base), Medicare (1.45%, plus 0.9% on high earnings), state income tax and any pre-tax deductions such as 401(k) and health insurance. A single filer earning $75,000 in a state with no income tax takes home about $2,370 every two weeks before other deductions.
How your paycheck is calculated
Step 1: Start from gross pay for the period (salary ÷ number of paychecks, or hourly rate × hours).
Step 2: Subtract pre-tax deductions. Traditional 401(k) contributions lower the wages subject to federal and state income tax but not Social Security and Medicare. Health, dental and vision premiums paid through a Section 125 cafeteria plan lower all three.
Step 3: Federal income tax is estimated on annualised taxable wages minus the standard deduction for your filing status, using the 2026 brackets, then divided back into each paycheck.
Step 4: FICA is 6.2% Social Security on wages up to the annual wage base plus 1.45% Medicare on all wages; an extra 0.9% Additional Medicare Tax applies above $200,000 (single/head of household) or $250,000 (married filing jointly).
Step 5: State income tax uses that state’s brackets, deduction and exemption. Texas, Florida, Washington, Nevada and Tennessee do not tax wages.
Why your real paycheck may differ
- Your W-4: extra withholding, dependents credit (Step 3) or other income (Step 4) change federal withholding.
- Local and city taxes (e.g. New York City, many Ohio and Pennsylvania localities) are not included.
- State payroll programs such as California SDI, New York SDI/PFL and Washington’s WA Cares/PFML premiums are not included.
- Bonuses are often withheld at a flat supplemental rate rather than through the brackets.
- Roth 401(k) contributions are after-tax: enter them as 0% here and subtract them from take-home yourself.
Reference tables & worked examples
| Rate | Single | Married filing jointly | Head of household |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 – $12,400 | $0 – $24,800 | $0 – $17,700 |
| 12% | $12,400 – $50,400 | $24,800 – $100,800 | $17,700 – $67,450 |
| 22% | $50,400 – $105,700 | $100,800 – $211,400 | $67,450 – $105,700 |
| 24% | $105,700 – $201,775 | $211,400 – $403,550 | $105,700 – $201,750 |
| 32% | $201,775 – $256,225 | $403,550 – $512,450 | $201,750 – $256,200 |
| 35% | $256,225 – $640,600 | $512,450 – $768,700 | $256,200 – $640,600 |
| 37% | Above $640,600 | Above $768,700 | Above $640,600 |
| Standard deduction | $16,100 | $32,200 | $24,150 |
Frequently asked questions
How much federal tax is taken out of my paycheck?
It depends on filing status and pay. Your annual taxable wages (after pre-tax deductions and the standard deduction) are taxed at 10%, 12%, 22% and higher rates in bands, and the total is spread across your paychecks.
What is the 2026 standard deduction?
$16,100 for single filers, $32,200 for married couples filing jointly and $24,150 for heads of household.
How much Social Security and Medicare is withheld?
6.2% Social Security on wages up to the annual wage base ($184,500 in 2026) and 1.45% Medicare on all wages, plus 0.9% Additional Medicare Tax above $200,000 of wages.
Does a 401(k) contribution reduce my taxes?
A traditional 401(k) reduces federal and (in most states) state income tax, but not Social Security or Medicare. Each $100 contributed typically lowers take-home pay by less than $100.
Which states have no income tax on wages?
Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming do not tax wages.
Is bi-weekly or semi-monthly pay better?
Annual pay is the same. Bi-weekly means 26 smaller paychecks (two months a year have three); semi-monthly means 24 slightly larger paychecks on fixed dates.
Why is my first paycheck of the year different?
Deduction elections, benefit premiums and 401(k) percentages often reset in January, and the Social Security wage base restarts each calendar year.
Sources
Estimates for general information only — not tax, legal or financial advice. Check your payslip, employer or a qualified adviser before acting.
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