Paycheck Calculator (2026)
See your real take-home pay after federal tax, FICA, state tax, and pretax deductions like 401(k).
Take-home per pay period
$0
- Net$0
- Federal$0
- FICA$0
- State$0
- Pretax (401k + other)$0
Annual: gross $0 → net $0
How your paycheck breaks down
Your gross salary is reduced by several lines before it hits your bank: pretax 401(k) and HSA/health premiums, federal income tax, FICA (Social Security 6.2% + Medicare 1.45%), state income tax, and any other post-tax deductions.
Social Security tax stops once you've earned $184,500 in 2026 (the wage base). Medicare has no cap, and an Additional Medicare Tax of 0.9% kicks in on wages above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (MFJ). 401(k) reduces federal taxable income but is still subject to FICA.
This tool uses a flat state tax rate. Real state tax has its own brackets, deductions, and local taxes (NYC, SF, etc.) — for an exact number, check your state's withholding tables.
Show the math
Frequently asked questions
What is FICA?
FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) is the combined Social Security tax (6.2% on wages up to $184,500 in 2026) and Medicare tax (1.45% on all wages). High earners also pay an Additional Medicare Tax of 0.9% on wages above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (MFJ).
What is the Social Security wage base?
In 2026 it's $184,500. You pay 6.2% Social Security tax on the first $184,500 of wages each year; income above that is not subject to Social Security tax. Medicare has no wage base — it applies to all earnings.
How does 401(k) reduce my taxes?
Traditional 401(k) contributions are pretax for federal income tax — they reduce your taxable income. They are still subject to FICA (Social Security and Medicare). Roth 401(k) contributions are after-tax. This calculator models traditional 401(k) deferral.
Why does my paycheck differ from gross / 26?
Bi-weekly pay is gross income divided by 26 pay periods, then federal tax, FICA, state tax, and pretax deductions (401(k), HSA, health insurance) are subtracted. This calculator shows each line item separately.
Does this work for 1099 / self-employed income?
No — this is for W-2 employees. Self-employed people pay both employee and employer halves of FICA (15.3% total) plus quarterly estimated taxes. A 1099 calculator is on our roadmap.
Related calculators
- → Income Tax Calculator — a deeper federal-only view with full bracket breakdown.
- → Compound Interest Calculator — see what saving from your paycheck grows into.
- → Mortgage Calculator — translate your take-home pay into how much house you can afford.