What is a Take-Home Paycheck Calculator?
A Take-Home Paycheck Calculator estimates your net pay after subtracting federal and state income taxes, FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare), and any pre-tax and after-tax deductions. Because payroll rules can be complex, this tool provides a practical estimate so you can budget with confidence.
How to use the calculator
- Enter your gross pay per period. This is your pay before any taxes or deductions.
- Choose your pay frequency (weekly, biweekly, semi-monthly, monthly, or annually).
- Select your filing status and provide estimated tax rates. If you are unsure, use rates from your most recent paycheck or a conservative estimate.
- Add pre-tax deductions such as 401(k), HSA, FSA, and health insurance premiums.
- Include any after-tax deductions like Roth contributions, union dues, or garnishments.
- Review FICA assumptions. You can adjust the Social Security wage base and Additional Medicare threshold if needed.
- Click Calculate to see your estimated take-home pay per period and annually.
What the results show
- Net pay per paycheck and per year.
- Income-taxable wages versus FICA-taxable wages.
- A breakdown of federal, state, local, Social Security, and Medicare taxes.
- Pretax and after-tax deduction totals.
Pretax deductions and how they impact taxes
Pretax deductions reduce your taxable income and can meaningfully increase your net pay. Some common examples:
- 401(k) or 403(b) employee deferrals: Reduce income taxes but are still subject to Social Security and Medicare.
- HSA and FSA contributions (via a Section 125 cafeteria plan): Generally reduce both income taxes and FICA.
- Employer-sponsored health, dental, and vision premiums (pre-tax): Typically reduce both income taxes and FICA.
The calculator distinguishes between items that usually reduce only income taxes (such as traditional 401(k) deferrals) and items that usually reduce both income taxes and FICA (like HSA, FSA, and pre-tax health premiums). Your employer\'s plan documents determine final treatment.
Understanding FICA: Social Security and Medicare
FICA taxes fund Social Security and Medicare. Social Security is 6.2% up to an annual wage base, while Medicare is 1.45% on all wages with an additional 0.9% on wages above a threshold. Employers must withhold the additional Medicare tax once an employee\'s year-to-date wages exceed $200,000; actual liability thresholds differ by filing status but the withholding trigger is $200,000. Our calculator defaults to a common wage base and threshold, which you can adjust.
Tips to increase your take-home pay
- Contribute to pre-tax benefits such as HSA/FSA and employer-sponsored health plans if available.
- Maximize employer matching on retirement accounts while balancing current cash flow.
- Review your Form W-4 to align with your current situation; large refunds may indicate over-withholding.
- Track recurring after-tax deductions and confirm they are still necessary.
- Reassess elections during open enrollment and after major life events.
Limits and assumptions
This calculator uses simplified, rate-based estimates for income taxes and standard FICA formulas. Actual payroll systems apply IRS and state withholding tables, credits, and employer-specific rules that can yield different amounts. Use pay stubs or official withholding calculators for precise planning, and consult a tax professional for advice.
