Paycheck Calculator
From Gross Pay to What Actually Hits Your Account
The number on an offer letter and the number that lands in your bank account are separated by FICA taxes, federal and state withholding, and whatever deductions you've elected. This calculator handles both salaried and hourly employees, running gross pay for the period through each of those layers to produce a realistic net figure.
The Formula
FICA is Social Security (6.2% up to the annual wage base) plus Medicare (1.45%, with an additional 0.9% on earnings above $200,000/year). Federal and state tax are applied as flat rates you supply against taxable income after pre-tax deductions; post-tax deductions are subtracted separately at the end.
A Worked Example
| Line Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Gross Pay per Period | $2,692.31 |
| Tax per Period (FICA + Federal + State) | $663.65 |
| Net Pay per Period | $2,028.65 |
| Total Annual Tax | $17,255.00 |
Where This Matters
- Budgeting around a new job or raise — the offer letter shows gross pay, but rent, groceries, and bills all come out of net pay.
- Comparing hourly vs. salaried roles — switching modes lets you check both structures against the same tax and deduction assumptions.
- Adjusting withholding elections — testing how a change in pre-tax deduction amount (retirement contribution, HSA) shifts take-home pay per period.
How to Use This Calculator
- Choose Salaried Employee or Hourly Employee.
- Enter the annual salary, or the hourly rate and hours worked this period.
- Select a pay frequency — Weekly, Biweekly, Semimonthly, or Monthly.
- Enter estimated federal and state tax rates as percentages.
- Enter pre-tax and post-tax deductions per period, if any.
- Select Calculate to see net pay per period.
Related Calculations
Estimate federal withholding specifically with the Tax Withholding Calculator, or break down every deduction line item with the Payroll Deduction Calculator.