Paycheck Calculator

Your paycheck is your gross salary minus taxes and deductions. Understanding each component helps you plan your budget and optimize your tax situation. Our calculator covers federal income tax, state income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and pre-tax deductions.

Federal Income Tax

The U.S. uses a progressive tax system with seven brackets ranging from 10% to 37%. Only the income within each bracket is taxed at that rate — a common misconception is that moving into a higher bracket means all your income is taxed at the higher rate.

FICA Taxes (Social Security & Medicare)

FICA taxes fund Social Security (6.2% up to $168,600 in 2026) and Medicare (1.45% with no cap, plus an additional 0.9% on income over $200,000). These are flat-rate taxes applied to your gross pay before any deductions.

State Income Tax

State income tax varies significantly. Nine states (Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming) have no state income tax, while California's top rate exceeds 13%. Our calculator includes rates for all 50 states plus D.C.

Pre-Tax Deductions

Contributions to 401(k) plans, health insurance premiums, and HSA accounts are deducted before taxes, reducing your taxable income. Maximizing pre-tax deductions is one of the most effective ways to increase your take-home pay.