Paycheck Calculator
See exactly what lands in your bank account
Ever wonder where all your money goes before it hits your account? Between federal taxes, state taxes, Social Security, and Medicare, a lot disappears. This calculator shows you the full breakdown — so you can plan your budget around what you'll actually take home, not what you earn on paper.
How do I calculate my take-home pay?
Your take-home pay equals gross pay minus federal income tax, state income tax, Social Security tax (6.2% on wages up to $184,500 for 2026), Medicare tax (1.45%), and any pre-tax deductions like 401(k) contributions. For example, a $75,000 salary typically results in approximately $56,000-$62,000 in take-home pay depending on state and deductions.
- Social Security tax: 6.2% on first $184,500 of wages (2026)
- Medicare tax: 1.45% with no wage cap (additional 0.9% over $200K)
- Pre-tax 401(k) contributions reduce taxable income
- 9 states have no income tax: AK, FL, NV, NH, SD, TN, TX, WA, WY
Source:IRS Publication 15
Your paycheck is the gap between what your offer letter promised and what actually shows up in your account. The gap has a name — withholding — and it's lumpier than people expect. Federal, FICA, state, often city, sometimes disability or paid family leave. By the time it lands, a $90K salary often feels like $63K.
Real-world scenario
A $78,000 salary in Texas, single, no 401(k)
A $78,000 salary in Texas (no state income tax), single filer, paid biweekly. Per check gross: $3,000. Federal withholding: ~$285. Social Security: $186. Medicare: $43.50. Net per check: ~$2,485. Annual take-home: about $64,600 — or 83 cents on every gross dollar. That ratio drops fast once you add a state income tax, a 401(k) contribution, or family health insurance.
The part most people miss
W-4 changes don't show up the next pay period — they typically take 1–2 cycles to flow through payroll. If you discover in November that you've under-withheld, the only fast fix is a one-time 'extra withholding' amount on the W-4. The IRS treats withholding as paid evenly across the year, which can cure earlier-quarter shortfalls and avoid a Form 2210 penalty.
"New job offer? Before you celebrate that $85,000 salary, let's see what actually lands in your bank account. Spoiler: it's less than you think. Between federal taxes, state taxes, Social Security, and Medicare, a lot disappears before payday."
Paycheck Details
Uses 2025 brackets, $15,750/$31,500 standard deduction, and $176,100 SS wage base (Rev. Proc. 2024-40, SSA).
Pre-Tax Deductions
2026 FSA limit: $3,400/year • Carryover limit: $680
Your Paycheck Breakdown
Net Pay (Take Home)
$0
Effective Tax Rate: 0.0%
Tax Withholdings
Annual Projection
Annual Gross
$0
Annual Take-Home
$0
This calculator uses the 2025 federal tax brackets (Rev. Proc. 2024-40) and assumes the standard deduction. Actual withholding may vary based on your W-4 elections. State tax uses the selected state's 2025 brackets, standard deduction and exemptions; local taxes are not included.
Sources & References
Primary references used for this content
Your Federal Income Tax
For Individuals
View on irs.gov
Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax
W-4 and quarterly payments
View on irs.gov
Employee's Withholding Certificate
Withholding adjustment
View on irs.gov
Contributions to IRAs
IRA contribution rules
View on irs.gov
✓4 primary sources; links re-checked on a weekly rotation by the source watcher