Standard vs Itemized Deduction Calculator

Enter your filing status and deductible expenses. This calculator tells you exactly whether the standard deduction or itemizing saves you more in 2026.

The standard deduction is a flat amount ($15,000 for single, $30,000 for married filing jointly in 2026) that reduces your taxable income with no documentation required. Itemized deductions are specific expenses you list individually — mortgage interest, state/local taxes (capped at $10,000), charitable donations, and medical expenses exceeding 7.5% of AGI.

Enter Your Details

Capped at $10,000

Only amount exceeding 7.5% of AGI

Standard Deduction

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Your Standard Deduction
Taxable Income—
Estimated Tax—

Itemized

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Total Itemized Deductions
Taxable Income—
Estimated Tax—

Verdict

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2026 Standard Deduction Amounts

Whether you are looking for a standard vs itemized deduction estimator, calculate standard vs itemized deduction, how to calculate standard vs itemized deduction, standard vs itemized deduction formula, free standard vs itemized deduction calculator, or standard vs itemized deduction after taxes — this free standard vs itemized deduction calculator provides accurate estimates to help you plan and make informed financial decisions.

Single$15,000
Married Filing Jointly$30,000
Head of Household$22,500

The $10,000 SALT Cap

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act capped state and local tax deductions at $10,000. For residents of high-tax states (California, New York, New Jersey), this cap significantly reduces the benefit of itemizing. This provision is set to be revisited in 2026.

People Also Ask

What percentage of people itemize vs take the standard deduction?
About 88% of taxpayers take the standard deduction after the 2017 tax reform roughly doubled it. Before 2018, about 30% itemized. High-income earners with mortgages in high-tax states are most likely to benefit from itemizing.
Can I switch between standard and itemized year to year?
Yes. You can choose whichever saves more each year. Some people 'bunch' deductions — making two years of charitable donations in one year to exceed the standard deduction, then taking the standard deduction the next year.
Does the $10,000 SALT cap affect everyone?
It primarily affects homeowners in high-tax states. If your state income tax plus property taxes exceed $10,000, you lose the excess deduction. Renters and residents of no-income-tax states are less affected.