Take-Home Pay Calculator
Estimate your take-home (net) pay after federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare deductions.
How to use this tool
- Enter gross annual salary, federal income tax rate, social security rate, medicare rate and other annual deductions in the fields above.
- Results update instantly as you type — or click Calculate.
- Read your annual take-home pay and the full breakdown beneath it.
Estimate your net paycheck after common tax deductions. This uses flat-rate estimation — consult a tax professional for precise calculations.
⚠ This tool provides general estimates for education only and is not financial, tax or legal advice. Figures may not reflect your situation — verify with a qualified professional.
Formula
Annual Net Pay = Gross Annual Salary − (Gross × (Fed Rate + SS Rate + Medicare Rate) ÷ 100) − Other Deductions
Effective Rate (%) = (Total Taxes + Other Deductions) ÷ Gross Annual Salary × 100
Monthly Net = Annual Net ÷ 12 | Biweekly Net = Annual Net ÷ 26
How it works
This calculator estimates take-home pay by applying a flat combined tax rate (federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare) to gross annual salary, then subtracting any additional fixed deductions such as health insurance premiums or retirement contributions. It assumes the rates you enter apply uniformly to all income, which is a simplification — in reality, federal income tax is progressive and Social Security has a wage base cap. Use this tool for quick estimates; consult a payroll provider or tax professional for precise withholding.
Worked example
- Gross annual salary: $60,000. Federal rate: 0%, Social Security: 0%, Medicare: 0%, Other deductions: $0.
- Combined tax rate = (0 + 0 + 0) / 100 = 0. Total taxes = $60,000 × 0 = $0.
- Annual net = $60,000 − $0 − $0 = $60,000.
- Monthly net = $60,000 ÷ 12 = $5,000. Effective rate = $0 ÷ $60,000 × 100 = 0%.
Annual take-home pay: $60,000 | Monthly: $5,000 | Effective tax rate: 0%
Common mistakes to avoid
- Entering pre-tax 401(k) contributions as 'other deductions' and also forgetting to subtract them from the taxable base, double-counting the reduction.
- Using a flat effective federal tax rate for all income rather than the marginal bracket structure, which underestimates taxes on higher earnings.
- Ignoring state income tax entirely -- the calculator covers federal, SS, and Medicare, so state tax must be added separately for an accurate net figure.
Key terms
- Gross pay
- Total earnings before any taxes or deductions are removed.
- Net pay
- The amount you actually receive after all taxes and deductions have been subtracted from gross pay.
- Effective tax rate
- The actual percentage of your gross income that goes toward taxes and deductions, as opposed to the marginal rate that applies only to the last dollar earned.
- FICA
- Federal Insurance Contributions Act taxes, which fund Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) and are withheld directly from each paycheck.
- Biweekly pay period
- A payroll schedule where employees are paid every two weeks, resulting in 26 pay periods per year.
Frequently asked questions
- What deductions come out of my paycheck?
- Typical deductions include federal income tax (varies by bracket), Social Security (6.2% up to the wage base), Medicare (1.45%), state income tax, and optional items like 401(k) contributions and health insurance premiums.
- How accurate is this calculator?
- This is an estimate using flat rates. Your actual withholding depends on your W-4 filing status, allowances, pre-tax benefits, and state taxes. Use it for planning—not for exact tax filing.