How to use this calculator
Estimate take-home pay from annual salary or an hourly-work assumption, entered effective withholding rates and regular deductions. This tool averages annual wages over the selected number of paychecks; it does not calculate withholding from a W-4.
From annual wages to each paycheck
Hourly annual wages equal hourly rate × weekly hours × 52. Gross pay per check equals annual wages divided by checks per year. Weekly, biweekly and semimonthly schedules use different annual counts, so biweekly and twice-monthly payments are not interchangeable.
The model assumes a traditional pre-tax 401(k). Its contribution reduces the base used for federal and state rates but does not reduce modeled Social Security or Medicare wages. Insurance is entered monthly and converted to a paycheck amount; other deductions are entered per paycheck.
Withholding assumptions and exclusions
Filing status and state are report labels. Enter effective withholding rates from a relevant payslip rather than expecting those selections to reproduce payroll rules. The model uses the 2026 Social Security wage cap and the employer Additional Medicare withholding threshold, averaged across the year.
Bonuses, overtime premiums, multiple jobs, employer matching, deduction limits and the tax treatment of specific insurance plans are excluded. Estimated withholding is also different from final annual income-tax liability.
Example: biweekly pay
A $62,400 salary over 26 checks gives $2,400 gross per check. With a 5% 401(k), federal rate of 10%, state rate of 5% and no insurance or other deductions, modeled net pay is $1,754.40 after income withholding and employee Social Security and Medicare.