Take-Home Pay Calculator – Estimate Your Net Salary
Estimate net pay after federal tax, FICA and other deductions.
About the Take-Home Pay Calculator
What is the Take-Home Pay Calculator?
The take-home pay calculator estimates how much of each paycheck actually reaches your bank account after taxes and deductions.
Why use this calculator?
Gross salary can be misleading. Knowing your net pay is what lets you build a realistic budget, apply for a mortgage or plan savings.
How to use it
- Enter your gross pay for one period.
- Enter how many pay periods you have per year.
- Add your estimated income tax rate, retirement contribution and other deductions.
- The net pay per period appears at the top.
Formula
Net = Gross − income tax − FICA − retirement − other deductions
FICA is estimated at 7.65%. Real withholding depends on your W-4, benefits and local taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is FICA?
FICA funds Social Security and Medicare. Employees pay 6.2% for Social Security (up to an annual wage cap) and 1.45% for Medicare.
Why is my actual paycheck different?
Withholding depends on your W-4 elections, pre-tax benefits, and any garnishments. Use this as an estimate and compare with your pay stub.
What is the difference between marginal and effective tax rate?
Your marginal rate applies to your last dollar of income. Your effective rate is the average rate you pay across all income, which is always lower.
What is a tax deduction versus a credit?
A deduction reduces taxable income, so it saves you your marginal rate on that amount. A credit reduces your tax bill directly, dollar for dollar.
What is taxable income?
It is your gross income minus adjustments and deductions that the tax code allows, such as the standard deduction or retirement contributions.
Do these results reflect my exact jurisdiction?
No. Tax rules differ widely by country, state and year. Use these numbers as an approximation and confirm with official tables or a tax professional.
Can I print or share my result?
Yes. Use your browser's print function or screenshot the result. The page is designed to print cleanly.
What if my inputs are outside the typical range?
The calculators accept a wide range of values, but extreme inputs may produce unrealistic results. Double-check the units you are using.
How often is the calculator updated?
We review formulas and rates periodically to keep them aligned with current standards and published data.
Is this calculator free to use?
Yes. Every calculator on this site is completely free, with no hidden fees, no subscriptions and no limits on how many times you can use it.