Paycheck Calculator
Estimate your net paycheck after taxes and deductions per pay period.
Net Pay per Paycheck
$2,433.04
| Gross Pay | $3,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$337.46 |
| State Income Tax | -$0.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$186.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$43.50 |
| Net Pay | $2,433.04 |
State taxes are estimates based on approximate effective rates. Consult a tax professional for exact calculations.
Why Your Paycheck Is Less Than You Expect
A concrete example: $75,000 salary, single filer, no dependents, living in Texas (no state tax):
Annual gross: $75,000
Bi-weekly gross (/26): $2,885
Deductions per paycheck:
- Federal income tax: ~$497 (effective ~17.2% annual)
- Social Security (6.2%): $179
- Medicare (1.45%): $42
- Total deductions: ~$718
Net paycheck: ~$2,167
That's a 25% reduction from gross. Someone earning $75K "grosses" $2,885 per paycheck but takes home $2,167. For the annual view and state tax breakdowns, see our take-home pay calculator.
Adjusting Your Withholding
If you consistently get a large tax refund, you're giving the government an interest-free loan. If you owe money each year, you may face underpayment penalties. The IRS W-4 form controls your withholding -- claiming more allowances reduces withholding (more take-home pay but a smaller refund or potential underpayment), while claiming fewer increases withholding.
Use the IRS withholding estimator at irs.gov/W4app to find the right number for your situation. Life changes like marriage, a new job, or a major income change warrant a W-4 review.
Free Paycheck Calculator
See exactly what your paycheck will look like after deductions. Enter your gross pay per pay period, filing status, and state to get an itemized breakdown of federal income tax, state income tax, Social Security, and Medicare withholding. The result shows your estimated net (take-home) pay for each paycheck.
This calculator uses 2025 federal tax brackets and state tax rates to estimate withholding. Pre-tax deductions like 401(k) contributions and health insurance premiums are subtracted before calculating federal and state income tax, reducing your taxable income.
Understanding Your Pay Stub
Your gross pay is the total amount earned before any deductions. From that, your employer withholds federal income tax (based on your W-4 filing status and the progressive bracket system), Social Security tax (6.2% up to $176,100), Medicare tax (1.45%), and state income tax (varies by state). The remainder is your net pay — what gets deposited into your bank account. Understanding these deductions helps you verify your pay stub accuracy and plan your budget around actual take-home pay.