Paycheck Calculator
Estimate your take-home pay per paycheck after federal income tax, state tax, Social Security (6.2%), and Medicare (1.45%) deductions.
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Understanding Your Paycheck
Your gross pay and your take-home pay can be very different. Between federal income tax, state tax, Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), 401K contributions, and health insurance premiums, many workers take home only 65-75% of their gross pay.
Federal Income Tax Withholding
Federal tax is calculated using progressive brackets based on your filing status and annual income. The 2025-2026 brackets range from 10% to 37%. This calculator applies the standard deduction ($15,000 single, $30,000 married, $22,500 HOH) before calculating tax. For a more detailed breakdown, use our Income Tax Estimator.
FICA Taxes
Social Security: 6.2% on earnings up to $176,100 (2025). Medicare: 1.45% on all earnings, plus 0.9% Additional Medicare Tax on earnings over $200,000 (single). These are non-negotiable — every W-2 employee pays them.
Pre-Tax vs Post-Tax Deductions
Pre-tax deductions (401K, health insurance, HSA, FSA) reduce your taxable income, meaning you pay less in taxes. A $200/paycheck 401K contribution doesn't reduce your take-home by $200 — it reduces it by about $140-160 depending on your tax bracket. That's why maximizing pre-tax deductions is so valuable. Model your 401K growth with our 401K Calculator.