Your salary and your paycheck are two different numbers, and the gap is withheld tax. This calculator estimates the gap so you can budget against what actually lands in your account.
Choose whether you are paid hourly or on a salary, enter the figures, set how often you are paid, and add a state income tax rate if you want a closer match. The result shows gross pay, FICA, federal tax, state tax and net pay for one pay period, plus your net pay for the year.
The tax math is deliberately simplified: FICA at 7.65%, the 2025 single-filer federal brackets applied after the standard deduction, and a flat rate for state tax. Real withholding depends on your W-4, deductions and credits, so treat this as a planning estimate rather than a payslip.
For informational purposes only — not financial advice.
How to use
- Choose your pay basis: hourly or annual salary.
- Enter the hourly rate and weekly hours, or your annual salary.
- Set how often you are paid — weekly, biweekly, semimonthly or monthly.
- Add a state income tax rate if you want to include state withholding.
- Press Compute for gross pay, FICA, federal tax, state tax and net pay per period.
Frequently asked questions
How is take-home pay calculated?
Start with gross pay, then subtract FICA at 7.65%, federal income tax based on your taxable income, and any state income tax. What remains is your net pay. This tool follows exactly that sequence.
What is FICA and why is 7.65% withheld?
FICA funds Social Security and Medicare. Employees pay 6.2% for Social Security up to an annual wage cap and 1.45% for Medicare, which together make the 7.65% withheld from each paycheck.
How do the 2025 federal tax brackets work?
They are progressive: 10% on the first slice of taxable income, then 12%, 22% and 24% on higher slices, applied to income after the standard deduction. This calculator uses the single-filer brackets and a $14,600 standard deduction.
Why is my real paycheck different from this estimate?
Because real withholding also reflects your W-4 elections, pre-tax benefits like 401(k) or health insurance, tax credits, local taxes and any additional withholding you have requested. This tool covers the main federal pieces only.
What is the difference between biweekly and semimonthly pay?
Biweekly means every two weeks, giving 26 paychecks a year; semimonthly means twice a month, giving 24. Biweekly periods are smaller but there are two extra paychecks in most years.
Should I use gross or net pay for budgeting?
Always budget from net pay, because that is the money you can actually spend. Using gross pay is the most common reason a budget looks fine on paper but runs short in practice.