Paycheck Calculator
A simple planning estimate for gross pay, taxes and take-home pay.
About the Paycheck Calculator
Estimate take-home pay from one paycheck using gross pay and your own withholding assumptions for federal, state or local taxes, FICA and other deductions. It is a transparent budgeting estimate, not an official payroll or tax calculation.
How to use this calculator
- Enter gross pay for the same pay period as your deductions.
- Enter estimated federal and state/local withholding percentages.
- Enter a FICA assumption and other fixed deductions for that paycheck.
- Review estimated deductions and take-home pay.
- Adjust the assumptions using a recent pay stub when possible.
How the calculation works
Each percentage is applied to gross paycheck pay. The estimated percentage deductions and other fixed deductions are subtracted from gross pay. The tool does not model tax brackets, filing status, W-4 elections or all payroll rules.
Example
A $2,000 gross paycheck with combined percentage assumptions of 24.65% has $493 in percentage-based deductions, leaving $1,507 before additional fixed deductions. This is an illustration, not a prediction of your withholding.
Things to keep in mind
- Keep all inputs on the same pay-period basis.
- Federal withholding is not always a flat percentage.
- Benefits and retirement contributions may affect take-home pay.
- Use official tax guidance for tax decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between gross and take-home pay?
Gross pay is earnings before deductions; take-home pay is what remains after withholding and other payroll deductions.
Does this use federal tax brackets?
No. It applies the percentages you enter and does not calculate tax brackets, credits or filing-status rules.
Why might my paycheck differ?
Your W-4 elections, state/local rules, benefits and employer payroll settings may differ from the assumptions.
Can I enter monthly deductions for biweekly pay?
Convert them to a biweekly amount first; mixing pay-period units can distort the estimate.