Free payroll calculator
Enter gross pay, filing status, and tax rates — this payroll calculator estimates net take-home pay after federal, state, and FICA deductions, updated live, as you type.
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Estimated only. Actual withholding depends on your W-4 elections, filing status, and local laws. Consult your payroll provider for exact figures.
Results are estimates. Consult a professional.
How the payroll calculator works
A payroll calculator converts an annual salary (or hourly rate) into a per-period net paycheck by deducting federal income tax, state income tax, and FICA payroll taxes from gross pay. Enter your annual salary, pay frequency, filing status, state, and any pre-tax deductions (401k contributions, health premiums) and the calculator returns gross pay, each line of withholding, and net take-home pay for the period.
Pre-tax deductions — traditional 401(k) contributions, FSA, and employer-sponsored health insurance premiums — reduce the taxable wage base before federal and most state taxes are calculated, making them more valuable than their nominal dollar amount. FICA is applied to gross pay before most other deductions (with the exception of Section 125 cafeteria-plan health premiums, which are also exempt from FICA).
IRS Publication 15-T — Federal Income Tax Withholding Methods (2024).Worked example: $75,000 salary, biweekly pay, single filer
An employee earns $75,000/year, paid every two weeks (26 pay periods). Filing status: single, no additional withholding allowances. State income tax rate: 5%. No pre-tax deductions.
Estimated biweekly net pay by salary and state tax rate
The table below shows approximate biweekly net pay at common salary levels. Federal tax is estimated using 2024 standard deduction and marginal rate brackets for a single filer with no other adjustments. FICA is applied at 7.65% on all wages shown (all below $168,600 SS cap).
| Annual salary | Gross / period | 0% state tax | 5% state tax | 9% state tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $1,153.85 | ~$983 | ~$925 | ~$882 |
| $50,000 | $1,923.08 | ~$1,577 | ~$1,481 | ~$1,413 |
| $75,000 | $2,884.62 | ~$2,253 | ~$2,109 | ~$2,009 |
| $100,000 | $3,846.15 | ~$2,882 | ~$2,690 | ~$2,558 |
| $150,000 | $5,769.23 | ~$4,134 | ~$3,846 | ~$3,654 |
Source: IRS 2024 tax brackets and Publication 15-T; SSA wage base $168,600. Estimates only — actual withholding varies by W-4, deductions, and local taxes.
Tips for understanding your paycheck
Most employees accept their net pay without understanding the individual deductions. A few hours of review can reveal legal strategies that reduce withholding and increase take-home pay without changing your tax liability.
- Max your pre-tax deductions first. Traditional 401(k) contributions, HSA contributions (if enrolled in an HDHP), and FSA elections all reduce your taxable gross — meaning every dollar goes in pre-federal, pre-state, and (for health premiums) pre-FICA. The after-tax cost is significantly less than the face value.
- Adjust your W-4 after life changes. Marriage, divorce, a new child, a second job, or significant investment income all affect optimal withholding. Use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator at irs.gov to recalibrate and avoid a large underpayment penalty or an interest-free loan to the government.
- Know your FICA cap. Social Security tax (6.2%) only applies to wages up to $168,600 in 2024. If you earn above this — or have multiple jobs — your withholding may be over-collected; you recoup the excess via your tax return.
- Employer cost is higher than your gross. Employers pay a matching 7.65% FICA on your wages on top of salary. A $75,000 salary costs the employer approximately $80,737 before benefits, workers' comp, and unemployment insurance.
- Verify every line on your paystub. Errors in withholding codes, benefit deductions, and garnishments are more common than employees assume. Cross-check gross pay against your offer letter and deductions against your benefit elections at least once per year.
Accuracy and limitations
This calculator uses the 2024 federal income tax brackets, the 2024 Social Security wage base ($168,600), and standard FICA rates (6.2% SS + 1.45% Medicare). Federal withholding is estimated using the annualized wages method consistent with IRS Publication 15-T percentage tables. Results are estimates, not precise withholding calculations — actual withholding depends on W-4 elections (allowances, additional amounts, multiple jobs checkbox), pre-tax benefit elections, and employer-specific payroll software rounding.
State income tax is applied as a flat rate for simplicity; in practice most states use graduated brackets, and some states (California, New York, New Jersey, for example) have their own withholding tables. Local income taxes (city, county) are not included. This calculator is not a substitute for your employer's payroll system, a licensed payroll provider, or the advice of a tax professional.
Payroll terms defined
About this payroll calculator
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