Math

Paycheck calculator.

Your estimated take-home pay per paycheck after federal tax, FICA and state tax.

This is a planning estimate, not tax or financial advice. It uses 2025 US federal tax brackets, the standard deduction, Social Security (6.2% up to the wage base) and Medicare (1.45%). State tax is applied as a flat rate you enter — Florida and eight other states have no state income tax. Your real withholding depends on your W-4, benefits and full tax situation.

How take-home pay is worked out

Your gross salary is reduced by several things before it reaches your account. Federal income tax is calculated on your taxable income (salary minus the standard deduction and any pre-tax deductions like a 401(k)) using progressive brackets — only the income within each band is taxed at that band's rate. FICA is two flat taxes: Social Security at 6.2% up to an annual wage cap, and Medicare at 1.45% on everything. On top of that comes state income tax, which ranges from zero (Florida, Texas and seven others) to over 13%. This tool estimates the federal and FICA portions for 2025 and lets you add a flat state rate. It's a planning estimate, not a substitute for your actual pay stub, which reflects your specific W-4 elections and benefits. To turn a take-home figure into a home budget, head to affordability.

FAQ

How much of my paycheck goes to taxes?
It depends on income and location, but a rough breakdown for a middle income is Social Security 6.2%, Medicare 1.45%, federal income tax in the 10–24% range on taxable income, plus any state tax. The calculator estimates each and shows your effective rate.
Why is my take-home pay lower than my salary divided by paychecks?
Because taxes and deductions come out first: federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, any state tax and pre-tax items like retirement contributions. What's left is your net, or take-home, pay.

Related