Paycheck Calculator (2026)
Estimate take-home pay after federal tax, Social Security, Medicare, 401(k), and state tax withholdings.
United States Calculator
Adjust Your Inputs
Move the sliders or type exact numbers. Results update instantly.
Instant Estimate
Your Results
Take-Home Per Paycheck
$2,308
Based on your selected paycheck calculator assumptions. Try different sliders to compare scenarios.
Monthly Take-Home Pay
$5,001
Annual Take-Home Pay
$60,013
Estimated Annual Taxes
$18,988
These calculations are financial projections and planning estimates, not tax, legal or licensed financial advice. 2026 IRS thresholds and mortgage lender rates vary by location.
2026 US Paycheck Take-Home Pay Matrix (By Filing Status)
National take-home pay comparison across Single, Married Filing Jointly, and Head of Household. Calculated with the 2026 standard deduction ($15k Single / $30k MFJ / $22.5k HOH) and FICA payroll deductions.
Annual & Bi-Weekly Take-Home Pay by Filing Status
Federal income tax and 7.65% FICA applied (6.2% Social Security up to $184,500 + 1.45% Medicare).
| Gross Salary | Single (Annual) | Single (Bi-Weekly) | Married (Annual) | Married (Bi-Weekly) | Head of Household |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $45,000 | $37,450 | $1,440 | $39,550 | $1,521 | $38,700 |
| $65,000 | $52,150 | $2,006 | $55,950 | $2,152 | $54,400 |
| $85,000 | $66,350 | $2,552 | $71,750 | $2,760 | $69,400 |
| $105,000 | $80,150 | $3,083 | $86,550 | $3,329 | $83,900 |
| $130,000 | $96,950 | $3,729 | $104,550 | $4,021 | $101,400 |
| $160,000 | $116,750 | $4,490 | $125,550 | $4,829 | $121,900 |
| $184,500SS Wage Cap | $132,400 | $5,092 | $142,100 | $5,465 | $138,050 |
| $225,000 | $161,800 | $6,223 | $171,500 | $6,596 | $167,450 |
Need State-Specific Income Tax Withholdings?
How to Use the Paycheck Calculator
Enter your gross salary or wage
Input your annual salary or hourly rate.
Select your pay frequency
Choose Weekly (52), Bi-Weekly (26), Semi-Monthly (24), or Monthly (12).
Configure state and pre-tax deductions
Include state income tax rate and pre-tax 401(k), HSA, or health insurance deductions.
Formula & Calculation Methodology
Take-Home Pay = Gross Pay - Federal Tax - FICA (7.65%) - State Tax - Pre-Tax DeductionsThis calculator uses standard United States financial formulas, IRS thresholds, and amortization schedules. All results compute instantly in your browser with zero data stored or transmitted.
Calculation Examples & Scenarios
Bi-Weekly Paycheck ($85,000 Salary)
Single filer, $85,000 annual pay, 26 pay periods, 5% state tax, $250 pre-tax 401(k) & health deduction per paycheck.
No-Income-Tax State (e.g. Texas, Florida, Washington)
$100,000 salary, 26 paychecks, 0% state tax, standard federal withholding.
Key Benefits
- Know your exact net cash flow before budgeting for rent, mortgage, and bills
- See how pre-tax retirement and health savings reduce your taxable income
- Avoid surprise tax bills in April by understanding withholding brackets
- Compare net compensation across different state tax rates
Common Use Cases
- Evaluating new job offers with different salaries or pay frequencies
- Adjusting Form W-4 withholding allowances after life events
- Relocating to a different state with higher or lower tax burdens
How US Payroll Taxes & FICA Are Calculated
Every US paycheck is subject to mandatory federal payroll taxes under FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act). FICA consists of 6.2% Social Security tax (capped at the 2026 wage base of $184,500) and 1.45% Medicare tax (uncapped, with an additional 0.9% surtax on earnings over $200,000 for single filers).
Federal income tax is withheld progressively using IRS bracket calculations based on your Form W-4 elections. Pre-tax contributions to traditional 401(k) accounts, FSAs, and HSAs lower your federal and state taxable income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Standard US paycheck deductions include Federal Income Tax withholding, Social Security tax (6.2%), Medicare tax (1.45%), state income tax (in states with an income tax), and any applicable local or municipal income taxes.
For 2026, the Social Security wage base is $184,500. Earnings above this threshold are no longer subject to the 6.2% Social Security tax for the remainder of the calendar year, providing a take-home pay boost in later months for high earners.
Bi-weekly employees receive 26 paychecks per year (every two weeks, meaning two months have 3 paychecks). Semi-monthly employees receive 24 paychecks per year (twice a month, typically on the 15th and last day of the month).
Nine US states have no standard state income tax on earned wages: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire (dividends/interest only), South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming.
Every pre-tax dollar contributed to a traditional 401(k) or HSA reduces your taxable income, meaning you save between 12% and 37% in federal taxes plus state taxes on that money before your check is deposited.
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