Paycheck Calculator (Take-Home Pay)
Calculate your net take-home pay after federal, state, and FICA taxes. Estimate biweekly, weekly, or monthly paychecks from annual salary or hourly wage.
Formula & Reference
| Variable | Formula | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Paycheck Calculator (Take-Home Pay) | Take-Home = Gross - Federal Tax - State Tax - FICA - Benefits | $/paycheck |
Step-by-Step Examples
$65K, single, 5% state, 6% 401k, biweekly.
- Taxable after 401k: $61,100
- Fed standard deduction: $13,850 | Taxable: $47,250
- Fed tax: ~$5,783 | FICA: $4,973 | State: $3,250
- Net annual: $46,994 | Biweekly: $1,807
$45K, married joint, 3% state, no 401k.
- FICA: $3,443 | Federal: ~$1,200 | State: $1,350
- Net: $39,007 | Monthly: $3,251
$100K, single, 6% state, 10% 401k.
- Taxable after 401k: $90K
- Fed: ~$13,675 | FICA: $7,650 | State: $6,000
- Net: $62,675 | Biweekly: $2,411
Real-World Applications
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Budget from NET pay (take-home), not gross salary. Federal + state + FICA taxes typically consume 20-30% of gross income. A $60,000 salary is roughly $43,000-$50,000 net depending on state and deductions.
Health insurance premiums ($200-600/month), dental, vision, and HSA contributions further reduce take-home pay beyond taxes. A full benefits package may reduce paycheck by an additional $500-$1,200/month.
If you have investment income, side income, or multiple jobs, adjust W-4 withholding to avoid a large tax bill (and potential underpayment penalty) in April.