Why is my actual paycheck different from this estimate?

The most common reasons are pre-tax deductions this calculator doesn't know about (health insurance, 401(k), HSA), a different federal withholding rate from your W-4 elections, or state-specific rules. Compare line by line with your pay stub and adjust the percentages to match — then the estimate will track your real checks closely.

What exactly is FICA?

FICA stands for the Federal Insurance Contributions Act. It's 7.65% of your wages: 6.2% for Social Security and 1.45% for Medicare. Your employer pays a matching 7.65%, so 15.3% of your earnings goes to these programs in total. Unlike income tax, FICA is a flat rate for almost everyone.

What's the difference between biweekly and semimonthly pay?

Biweekly means every two weeks (26 paychecks a year); semimonthly means twice a month (24 paychecks). A biweekly $2,000 check and a semimonthly $2,166.67 check can represent the same $52,000 salary. Biweekly schedules also produce two three-paycheck months per year.

Are bonuses taxed at a higher rate?

Bonuses are considered supplemental wages and employers often withhold federal tax at a flat 22% on them, which can look like a higher tax rate on your bonus check. When you file your return, the bonus is ultimately taxed at your normal marginal rate — the withholding is just an advance payment.

Should I change my W-4 if my withholding looks wrong?

If you consistently owe a lot or get a huge refund, your withholding doesn't match your actual tax liability and updating your W-4 with your employer is worth doing. A big refund is just an interest-free loan to the government; owing a lot can mean penalties. When in doubt, ask a tax professional.

Do states with no income tax mean bigger paychecks?

Generally yes — with no state income tax, that deduction line disappears and take-home pay rises for the same gross. Nine states currently have no broad individual income tax, though they may make up revenue with higher sales or property taxes.

Paycheck Calculator

Estimate your take-home pay from gross wages. Enter your gross pay, tax percentages, and deductions to see exactly where every dollar goes — with a full deduction breakdown, your effective tax rate, and an annual projection. Estimates only: real withholding depends on your W-4, filing status, and state rules.

Gross pay per paycheck ($)

Pay frequency

Federal withholding (%)

State & local tax (%)

FICA — Social Security & Medicare (%)

Pre-tax deductions ($/paycheck)

Advanced options

Post-tax deductions ($/paycheck)

Roth 401(k), union dues, garnishments — taken after taxes.

401(k) contribution (%)

Traditional 401(k) reduces taxable income; applied before tax %s.

Filing status

Federal tax mode

Net (take-home)

$0.00

Gross

$0.00

Total deductions

$0.00

Effective tax rate

Where your paycheck goes

Deduction	Amount	Share
Net pay

Bracket	Taxable in bracket	Tax
Total federal tax

How it's calculated

Annual projection

Pre-tax vs post-tax deductions

Pre-tax deductions (traditional 401(k), HSA, health premiums) come out before income tax is calculated, so they shrink your taxable income and your tax bill. Post-tax deductions (Roth 401(k), union dues) come out after. That's why two people with the same gross can take home different amounts — and why maxing pre-tax contributions is such a powerful lever.

Why this is an estimate

Real federal withholding follows IRS tables driven by your W-4, filing status, and multiple jobs — a flat percentage is a simplification. State rules vary widely (nine states have no income tax at all). Use this for budgeting and offer comparisons; your first real pay stub is the ground truth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is FICA?

Federal Insurance Contributions Act tax: 6.2% Social Security (on wages up to the annual cap) + 1.45% Medicare = 7.65% for most employees. Your employer matches it.

Why is my take-home less than I expected?

The usual culprits: higher withholding than your actual tax rate, pre-tax benefit premiums, and 401(k) contributions. Check the breakdown table above line by line against your stub.

How many paychecks will I get this year?

Weekly: 52, biweekly: 26, semimonthly: 24, monthly: 12. Biweekly schedules produce two 3-paycheck months per year — a nice budgeting bonus.

Do bonuses get taxed more?

Bonuses are often withheld at a flat 22% federal rate, which can feel like extra tax — but at filing time they're taxed as ordinary income like everything else.

What's the difference between marginal and effective tax rate?

Marginal is the rate on your last dollar; effective is total tax ÷ total income — always lower. This calculator shows your effective rate.

Paycheck Calculator

Where your paycheck goes

2025 federal brackets — estimate only, not tax advice

How it's calculated

Annual projection

Pre-tax vs post-tax deductions

Why this is an estimate

Frequently Asked Questions

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