Free Paycheck Calculator
Calculate your net take-home pay from your gross salary. Our paycheck calculator includes federal taxes, state taxes, and FICA deductions to show you exactly what you'll earn.
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Try tinyteam freeHow Paycheck Calculations Work: Understanding Your Take-Home Pay
Understanding how your paycheck calculator determines your take-home pay is essential for financial planning and budgeting. When you receive your gross salary, several mandatory deductions are applied before you see your final net pay. Our comprehensive paycheck calculator breaks down these deductions to show you exactly where your money goes.
Federal Income Tax Deductions
Federal income tax is calculated using a progressive tax system with multiple tax brackets for 2026. Your filing status—single or married filing jointly—determines which tax brackets apply to your income. Higher income levels are taxed at higher rates, but only the income within each bracket is taxed at that bracket's rate. Our paycheck calculator uses the most current federal tax brackets to ensure accurate calculations for your specific situation.
State Income Tax Considerations
State income tax varies significantly depending on where you live and work. Some states like Florida, Texas, and Washington have no state income tax, while others like California and New York have higher rates. Our calculator includes current state tax rates for all 50 states, allowing you to see how your location affects your take-home pay. Remember that some cities and counties may have additional local income taxes not included in this basic calculation.
FICA Tax: Social Security and Medicare
FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) taxes fund Social Security and Medicare programs. For 2026, you pay 6.2% of your income for Social Security tax up to the wage base limit of $176,100, plus 1.45% for Medicare tax with no income limit. High earners pay an additional 0.9% Medicare surtax on income exceeding $200,000 for single filers or $250,000 for married couples filing jointly. These percentages are matched by your employer, effectively doubling the contribution to these programs.
Pay Frequency Impact on Your Paycheck
Your pay frequency—whether you're paid weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly—affects your individual paycheck amount but not your annual tax burden. However, different pay frequencies can impact your cash flow and budgeting. Bi-weekly pay results in 26 paychecks per year, while semi-monthly provides exactly 24. Understanding these differences helps you better manage your finances and plan for months with extra paychecks.
Additional Deductions Not Included
While our paycheck calculator covers the major tax deductions, your actual paycheck may include additional deductions such as health insurance premiums, dental and vision insurance, retirement plan contributions (401k, 403b), life insurance premiums, flexible spending account contributions, and union dues. These voluntary deductions can significantly impact your take-home pay and should be factored into your personal financial planning. For comprehensive payroll management for your team, consider using dedicated HR software that handles all these complexities automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is this paycheck calculator?
Our paycheck calculator uses current 2026 federal tax brackets and state tax rates to provide accurate estimates. However, actual deductions may vary based on specific circumstances, additional deductions, and local taxes.
What taxes are included in the calculation?
The calculator includes federal income tax, state income tax, Social Security tax (6.2%), and Medicare tax (1.45%). It does not include local taxes, disability insurance, or voluntary deductions.
How is FICA tax calculated?
FICA includes Social Security tax at 6.2% (up to $176,100 in 2026) and Medicare tax at 1.45% with no income limit. High earners pay an additional 0.9% Medicare tax on income over $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly).
Can I use this calculator for different pay frequencies?
Yes! The calculator supports weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, monthly, and annual pay frequencies. Simply enter your gross pay amount and select your pay frequency.
What's the difference between gross pay and net pay?
Gross pay is your total earnings before any deductions. Net pay (take-home pay) is what you receive after federal taxes, state taxes, FICA taxes, and other deductions are subtracted from your gross pay.
Why doesn't my actual paycheck match the calculator?
Differences may occur due to additional deductions like health insurance premiums, retirement contributions (401k), life insurance, local taxes, or other voluntary deductions not included in this basic calculator.
