Take-Home Paycheck Calculator
Calculate your US net paycheck after federal income tax, state income tax, FICA (Social Security + Medicare) and common pre-tax deductions.
How to use the Take-Home Paycheck Calculator
- Enter your inputs into the Take-Home Paycheck Calculator above.
- Results update instantly as you type — no submit button needed.
- Adjust any value to see how the result changes in real time.
The take-home pay components
Net pay = Gross − Federal tax − State tax − FICA − Pre-tax deductions
Federal income tax uses your marginal bracket on taxable income (gross minus pre-tax items minus standard deduction). FICA = 6.2% Social Security (capped at $176,100 for 2026) + 1.45% Medicare on all wages.
Worked example
Single filer with $80,000 salary, $5,000 pre-tax 401(k), $3,000 HSA, in a state with 5% income tax: federal tax ~$8,700; state ~$3,500; FICA ~$5,500. Net annual: $54,300, or about $4,525/month after benefits and taxes.
Frequently asked questions
What is FICA?
Federal Insurance Contributions Act — the combined 7.65% withheld for Social Security and Medicare. Employers match the same amount, so you "earn" 15.3% total credit toward future benefits.
Are 401(k) contributions taxed?
Traditional 401(k) contributions reduce taxable income for federal and state tax (but not FICA). Roth 401(k) contributions are taxed normally; the tax break comes at withdrawal.
How accurate is the calculator?
Within a few percent for most W-2 employees. Bonus tax withholding, equity compensation, complex state rules and itemized deductions can produce differences from the calculator's estimate.