US-specific calculator
US Paycheck Calculator
Estimate take-home pay per paycheck using 2026federal rates, FICA, W-4 credits and deductions, traditional 401(k), pre-tax health deductions, and state/local tax estimates.
Annual dependent and other credits
| Line | Per paycheck | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross pay | $3,000.00 | $78,000.00 |
| - Federal income tax | $253.28 | $6,585.40 |
| - State income tax estimate | $107.80 | $2,802.80 |
| - Social Security | $178.25 | $4,634.50 |
| - Medicare | $41.69 | $1,083.88 |
| - Traditional 401(k) | $180.00 | $4,680.00 |
| - Health insurance | $125.00 | $3,250.00 |
| Net pay | $2,113.98 | $54,963.42 |
Federal tax brackets
| Bracket | Rate | Income in bracket | Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard deduction (tax-free) | 0% | $16,100.00 | $0.00 |
| 10% bracket | 10% | $12,400.00 | $1,240.00 |
| 12% bracket | 12% | $38,000.00 | $4,560.00 |
| 22% bracket | 22% | $3,570.00 | $785.40 |
How the paycheck estimate works
The calculator annualizes your paycheck, subtracts eligible pre-tax deductions and the federal standard deduction, applies federal brackets, subtracts W-4 Step 3 credits, and adds any W-4 Step 4(c) extra withholding.
Social Security and Medicare are estimated from annual FICA wages. State and local tax use the rates you enter, so adjust those fields to match your payroll setup or state guidance.
For more detail on W-4 settings and paycheck line items, read the US paycheck withholding guide.
Formula and assumptions
The calculator estimates one paycheck by annualizing wages, applying annual federal tax rules, then dividing annual taxes and deductions back across the selected pay frequency.
- Federal taxable income: annual wages minus eligible pre-tax deductions, plus W-4 other income, minus the standard deduction and W-4 extra deductions.
- Federal withholding: progressive bracket tax minus W-4 Step 3 credits, plus W-4 Step 4(c) extra withholding.
- FICA: Social Security and Medicare are estimated separately from federal income tax; traditional 401(k) does not reduce FICA wages in this model.
Frequently asked questions
Is this paycheck calculator US-specific?
Yes. It models US federal income tax, FICA, and W-4 style credits, deductions, other income, and extra withholding.
Does this replace the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator?
No. It is a planning estimate. Use official payroll forms or the IRS estimator when you need to update actual withholding with an employer.
How are state and local taxes handled?
State and local income tax are entered as explicit estimated rates. This avoids pretending that every state withholding table can be reduced to one universal formula.