MayoCalc / Finance

Paycheck Calculator

Estimate your take-home pay after federal and state taxes, Social Security, and Medicare.

Last updated April 2026
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Take-Home Pay (per paycheck)
$0
Gross Pay
$0
Annual Take-Home
$0
Deductions (per paycheck)
Federal Tax
$0
State Tax
$0
Social Security
$0
Medicare
$0
401(k)
$0
Effective Tax Rate
0%
Disclaimer: This calculator is for general educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice, investment advice, tax advice, or legal advice and is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified professional. No fiduciary or advisory relationship is created by your use of this tool. Results are estimates based on the inputs you provide, standard mathematical formulas, and publicly available data that may not be current and may not reflect your individual financial situation, applicable tax laws, or other relevant factors. Neither MayoCalc nor Cook Media Systems assumes any liability for losses, damages, or other consequences arising from the use of any information or results provided by this tool. Always consult a qualified financial advisor, certified public accountant, or attorney before making financial decisions. See our full Disclaimer and Terms of Service.

How Your Paycheck Is Calculated

Your gross pay (before deductions) is reduced by several mandatory withholdings before you receive your take-home (net) pay. Federal income tax is withheld based on your W-4 elections and the IRS tax brackets. State income tax is withheld at your state's rate (9 states have no income tax). Social Security tax is 6.2% of earnings up to $176,100 in 2026. Medicare tax is 1.45% on all earnings, plus an additional 0.9% on earnings above $200,000 for single filers. Pre-tax deductions for 401(k), health insurance, and HSA reduce your taxable income before these calculations.

How to Use This Calculator

Select your state, enter your gross pay and pay frequency, filing status, and any pre-tax deductions (401(k), health insurance, HSA). The calculator shows your federal tax, state tax, Social Security, Medicare, and net take-home pay. For state-specific details, use any of our 50 state paycheck calculators. See our Best States for Take-Home Pay ranking for state comparisons.

Maximizing Your Paycheck

Review your W-4: If you receive a large tax refund each year, you are overwithholding. Adjusting your W-4 puts that money in your paycheck throughout the year instead. Maximize pre-tax deductions: Every dollar contributed to a 401(k) or HSA reduces your taxable income, lowering both federal and state tax. Understand your marginal rate: The Tax Bracket Calculator shows your marginal and effective tax rates.

Paycheck Calculator FAQ

Why does my paycheck vary month to month?
If you are paid biweekly, two months per year have three pay periods instead of two, which can affect monthly budgeting. Also, if you hit the Social Security wage base ($176,100 in 2026) mid-year, your later paychecks will be slightly larger because Social Security withholding stops. Year-end bonuses are typically withheld at a flat 22% federal rate.
Which states have no income tax?
Nine states have no income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire (interest and dividends only until 2025, then fully no tax), South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. Living in these states means a larger take-home paycheck, but sales taxes and property taxes may be higher to compensate.

Paycheck Calculator by State

Select your state for exact brackets, deductions, and local taxes built in.

ALAlabama AKAlaska AZArizona ARArkansas CACalifornia COColorado CTConnecticut DEDelaware DCWashington DC FLFlorida GAGeorgia HIHawaii IDIdaho ILIllinois INIndiana IAIowa KSKansas KYKentucky LALouisiana MEMaine MDMaryland MAMassachusetts MIMichigan MNMinnesota MSMississippi MOMissouri MTMontana NENebraska NVNevada NHNew Hampshire NJNew Jersey NMNew Mexico NYNew York NCNorth Carolina NDNorth Dakota OHOhio OKOklahoma OROregon PAPennsylvania RIRhode Island SCSouth Carolina SDSouth Dakota TNTennessee TXTexas UTUtah VTVermont VAVirginia WAWashington WVWest Virginia WIWisconsin WYWyoming

Green abbreviations = no state income tax

What Comes Out of Your Paycheck

Federal deductions include income tax (based on your W-4 withholding elections and tax bracket), Social Security (6.2% up to the wage base of $176,100 in 2026), and Medicare (1.45%, plus an additional 0.9% on earnings above $200,000). State income tax varies from 0% (Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming) to over 13% (California top bracket). Local taxes apply in some cities and counties, most notably New York City (3.078-3.876%). Pre-tax deductions for 401k contributions, health insurance premiums, HSA/FSA contributions, and commuter benefits reduce your taxable income, meaning they save you money at your marginal tax rate.

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How Paycheck Calculations Work

Your gross pay and your take-home pay are two very different numbers. Between federal income tax, state income tax (in most states), Social Security (6.2% on wages up to $176,100 in 2026), Medicare (1.45% on all wages, plus 0.9% above $200K), and any pre-tax deductions like 401(k) contributions or health insurance premiums, your paycheck can shrink by 25-40% before it hits your bank account.

This calculator handles all of that. Enter your gross salary or hourly wage, select your state, filing status, and any pre-tax deductions. It calculates federal tax using the 2026 brackets, applies your state's income tax rules, and shows you a line-by-line breakdown of every deduction. The result is your actual take-home pay per paycheck, per month, and per year.

If your state has local income taxes (cities like New York City, Philadelphia, or most Ohio municipalities), use the state-specific calculator for a more precise result. Every state page accounts for that state's unique tax structure, including flat vs. progressive rates, local taxes, and any state-specific deductions.