Paycheck Calculator (Gross to Net)
A paycheck calculator converts annual gross pay into an estimated net paycheck. It includes simplified 2026 federal income tax, employee Social Security and Medicare tax, pre-tax deductions, and an optional flat state tax estimate.
Quick answer
Take-home pay is gross pay minus pre-tax deductions, federal withholding, payroll taxes, state or local taxes, and other deductions. Actual payroll withholding can differ from an annual tax estimate.
Calculator
How to use this calculator
- Enter annual gross salary and pay frequency.
- Select a filing status.
- Add annual pre-tax deductions and an estimated state/local rate.
- Add any other per-paycheck deductions.
- Review the estimated gross-to-net breakdown.
Explanation
What it is
A paycheck calculator converts annual gross pay into an estimated net paycheck. It includes simplified 2026 federal income tax, employee Social Security and Medicare tax, pre-tax deductions, and an optional flat state tax estimate.
How it works
The calculator annualizes income and deductions, estimates federal tax using 2026 brackets, calculates employee Social Security at 6.2% up to the 2026 wage base and Medicare at 1.45%, then divides by pay frequency.
When to use it
Use this calculator to compare realistic scenarios before making a financial decision, and update the inputs when rates, costs, income, or goals change.
Limitations
- The result is an estimate based only on the inputs and assumptions shown.
- It does not evaluate eligibility, product terms, market conditions, or personal legal and tax circumstances.
- Actual outcomes can differ because of fees, timing, rounding, taxes, and provider-specific methods.
Key terms
- Gross pay
- Pay before taxes and deductions.
- Net pay
- Amount remaining after taxes and deductions.
- Pre-tax deduction
- An eligible deduction that may reduce taxable wages.
- FICA
- Payroll taxes funding Social Security and Medicare.
- Withholding
- Tax taken from pay during the year and credited on the tax return.
Formula
The calculator annualizes income and deductions, estimates federal tax using 2026 brackets, calculates employee Social Security at 6.2% up to the 2026 wage base and Medicare at 1.45%, then divides by pay frequency.
Worked example
An $80,000 annual salary paid every two weeks is divided into 26 gross checks, then reduced by estimated federal tax, payroll tax, pre-tax deductions, state tax, and other deductions.
FAQ
How much is $80,000 a year per paycheck?
Before deductions, $80,000 is about $3,077 every two weeks, $3,333 twice monthly, or $6,667 monthly. Net pay depends on taxes and benefits.
Why is my real paycheck different from this estimate?
Payroll systems use Form W-4 information, benefit rules, state and local formulas, year-to-date wages, supplemental pay rules, and rounding. This calculator uses simplified annual estimates.
What is the Social Security tax rate for employees?
The employee rate is 6.2% up to the annual taxable wage base. For 2025, the Social Security Administration lists a wage base of $176,100.
What is the Medicare tax rate?
The standard employee Medicare rate is 1.45% with no ordinary wage cap. An additional 0.9% may apply above statutory thresholds.
Are 401(k) contributions always exempt from payroll tax?
Traditional 401(k) deferrals generally reduce federal taxable income but usually remain subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes. Other deductions may be treated differently.
Does this calculate exact state tax?
No. The state field is a flat planning percentage. State and local withholding rules vary and may include allowances, brackets, credits, and special taxes.
Common mistakes
- Expecting an annual estimate to match payroll withholding exactly.
- Ignoring local taxes and benefit rules.
- Treating all pre-tax deductions the same for payroll tax.
- Forgetting bonuses and supplemental wages.
Tips
- Compare estimates with a real pay stub.
- Update the inputs after benefit elections.
- Check state and local withholding separately.
- Review Form W-4 after major life changes.
Sources and editorial review
Educational estimates only; not personalized financial, tax, legal, lending, investment, or insurance advice.