How is my net pay calculated?

Net pay is your gross pay minus federal, FICA, and state tax withholdings. This is the amount you actually receive in your bank account.

FICA taxes are payroll taxes for Social Security and Medicare. Both you and your employer contribute a set percentage of your wages to these programs.

Why does my state tax rate matter?

Each state sets its income tax rates. Your state tax rate directly affects how much is withheld from your paycheck.

What do I need to use this calculator?

You need to know your gross pay amount, your pay frequency (such as biweekly), and your state of residence or work.

What if I don’t know my state tax rate?

Just select your state from the list. The calculator will automatically fill in the suggested rate based on current data.

Can I save or share my results?

Yes. You can copy your results or export them as a PDF or Excel file for your records or to share with others.

Paycheck Calculator

Easily estimate your take-home pay after taxes.

Inputs

Gross pay and withholdings

Gross pay per period ($)

Pay frequency

Federal exemptions

State tax (%)

State (optional)

Don't know your rate? Select your state to fill the rate above. Data as of 2026. Source: Tax Foundation.

Results

Take-home per period

Gross

$2,500.00

Federal

$279.69

FICA

$191.25

State

$125.00

Net pay

$1,904.06

Annual gross

$65,000.00

Breakdown

Gross, federal withholding, and net pay (per period)

For educational and estimation purposes only; not tax or payroll advice. U.S. federal withholding is simplified (not actual W-4 tables). FICA uses 2024 wage base. Actual withholdings depend on W-4, state, and employer—check with your employer or a tax advisor.

How It Works

Here’s a step-by-step guide to using the calculator:

Enter Your Gross Pay
- Input your gross pay amount (for example, $2,500).
- Select your pay period (such as biweekly).
Select Your State
- Choose your state to automatically fill in the suggested state tax rate (for example, Iowa at 5.7%).
- If you’re unsure about your rate, the calculator uses the latest data for your state.
Calculate
- Click “Calculate” to see your results.
Review Results
- Take-home per period: See your gross pay, federal tax, FICA, state tax, and net pay for the selected period.
- Annual gross: Shows your total gross pay for the year.
- Breakdown: View a simple table of gross pay, federal withholding, and net pay for each period.
Export or Copy Your Results
- Use the “Copy” button to quickly copy your results.
- Export your summary as a PDF or Excel file for record-keeping or sharing.

This calculator is designed for ease of use, with all results and breakdowns presented clearly so you can make sense of your paycheck in seconds.

Understanding Your Paycheck

A paycheck reflects more than just your salary; it shows how much money you actually take home after taxes and other withholdings. Many people are surprised at the difference between their gross pay (the amount before taxes) and their net pay (what hits their bank account). Understanding this difference is essential for budgeting, planning expenses, and making informed financial decisions.

When you receive a paycheck, several deductions are typically taken out:

Federal taxes: Based on your income and filing status.
FICA taxes: Includes Social Security and Medicare contributions.
State income tax: Varies depending on where you live and work.

Knowing how these deductions work can help you avoid surprises and plan for your financial future. For example, if you earn $2,500 every two weeks, your actual take-home pay will be less after these withholdings. This calculator helps you see exactly how those deductions affect your paycheck.

How This Calculator Helps

This calculator is designed to give you a clear estimate of your take-home pay after all standard tax withholdings. Here’s how it addresses your needs:

Simple inputs: Just enter your gross pay, pay frequency (such as biweekly), and your state. The calculator automatically suggests your state’s withholding rate.
Accurate breakdown: It calculates federal, FICA, and state tax amounts for each pay period, so you see exactly where your money goes.
Clear results: Instantly view your gross pay, deductions, and net pay for each pay period, plus your estimated annual gross salary.
Convenient features: Copy your results or export them as a PDF or Excel file for your records or planning.

By providing a straightforward summary of your paycheck, this tool helps you budget more accurately and plan for upcoming expenses.