For informational purposes only. Not financial, investment, or tax advice. Results are estimates based on the inputs provided. Consult a qualified financial professional before making financial decisions.
Calculator tool
How this calculator works
Use the explanation to understand the formula, assumptions, and practical limits behind the calculator result.
The Deductions Waterfall
This calculator estimates US federal take-home pay by moving from gross pay to net pay:
- Gross pay is converted to annual pay from the frequency you choose.
- Traditional 401(k) contributions reduce the income-tax base in this estimator.
- Federal income tax uses the same 2026 brackets and standard deductions as the income-tax calculator.
- FICA means Social Security plus Medicare payroll tax.
Traditional 401(k) contributions reduce current federal taxable income, but they do not reduce Social Security or Medicare wages in this tool.
2026 FICA Rules Used Here
| Tax | Employee rate | 2026 treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | 6.2% | Up to USD 184,500 of wages |
| Medicare | 1.45% | All wages |
| Additional Medicare | 0.9% | Above USD 200,000 single / USD 250,000 married filing jointly |
Worked Example — USD 75,000 Salary, Single, Biweekly, 6% 401(k)
| Item | Annual | Per biweekly paycheck |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary | USD 75,000.00 | USD 2,884.62 |
| 401(k) contribution | USD 4,500.00 | USD 173.08 |
| Federal income tax | USD 6,680.00 | USD 256.92 |
| Social Security | USD 4,650.00 | USD 178.85 |
| Medicare | USD 1,087.50 | USD 41.83 |
| Estimated take-home | USD 58,082.50 | USD 2,233.94 |
The result is lower than gross pay because the calculator subtracts both payroll taxes and the retirement contribution, not because all deductions are income tax.
How to Read the Result
Use the result to compare pay frequencies, test a 401(k) contribution change, or separate gross salary from estimated take-home pay. If you are comparing jobs, also account for state tax, health insurance, HSA/FSA deductions, local taxes, bonuses, and benefits.
What This Estimate Excludes
Actual withholding can differ because of W-4 entries, credits, additional withholding, state and local tax, pretax benefits other than 401(k), Roth contributions, bonuses, stock compensation, and employer payroll systems. Treat the output as a planning estimate, not a paystub replica.
Frequently asked questions
What is FICA tax and who pays it?
FICA combines Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes. In 2026, employees pay 6.2% Social Security tax on wages up to USD 184,500 and 1.45% Medicare tax on all wages. An extra 0.9% Medicare tax applies above the additional-Medicare threshold. Employers separately pay their own matching Social Security and Medicare shares.
Why does a traditional 401(k) contribution reduce take-home pay by less than the contribution amount?
A traditional 401(k) contribution lowers current federal taxable income. If a worker in the 22% bracket contributes USD 500, current federal income tax falls by roughly before other factors, so take-home pay falls by less than the full 500 dollars. Social Security and Medicare still apply to the gross wages in this calculator.
Why can my real paycheck differ from this estimate?
Real withholding depends on your W-4, credits, extra withholding, health insurance, HSA/FSA elections, state or local tax, bonuses, Roth contributions, and payroll timing. This calculator keeps the federal model intentionally simple so the main deductions are visible.
Does this calculator include state income tax?
No. It estimates federal income tax and federal payroll taxes only. State and local rules vary widely, so include them separately when comparing real take-home pay between jobs or locations.
