Paycheck Take-Home Calculator

Estimate your net pay after federal tax, FICA, state tax, and pre-tax deductions.

Estimate only — uses 2024 federal brackets, standard deduction, and a flat state rate you enter. Not tax advice.

Where your paycheck actually goes

Gross pay and take-home pay diverge because of federal income tax, state tax, FICA (Social Security + Medicare), health insurance, and retirement contributions — all deducted before the deposit hits your account. Typical US workers see 25–35% vanish between gross and net.

This calculator breaks down every component so you can see exactly what's being withheld and why. If you're consistently getting a large tax refund (>$500), adjust your W-4 — you're giving the government an interest-free loan. Conversely, owing at tax time means upping withholding slightly so you're not hit with underpayment penalties.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my take-home pay so much less than my salary?
A typical US paycheck loses 25–35% between gross and net. Federal income tax (10–37% marginal), state tax (0–13%), FICA (7.65% for SS + Medicare), health insurance premiums, and 401(k) contributions all come off before you see the deposit. This calculator breaks down every component.
What's FICA?
Federal Insurance Contributions Act — the 6.2% Social Security tax (up to the wage base, ~$168,600 in 2024) plus 1.45% Medicare tax (no cap, plus 0.9% extra on high incomes). Total 7.65% that your employer matches (so they actually pay 7.65% on top of your salary on your behalf).
How do allowances and W-4 settings affect my paycheck?
More allowances = less withheld = bigger take-home but potentially a tax bill in April. Fewer allowances = more withheld = smaller take-home but a refund. Best practice: aim to owe or be owed $0–500 at tax time — any refund means you gave the government a 0% loan.
Should I max pre-tax 401(k) contributions to reduce withholding?
Pre-tax 401(k) reduces both your withholding and your take-home pay dollar-for-dollar. A $1,000 contribution cuts take-home by roughly $700–800 depending on your bracket. The other $200–300 is real tax savings you'd have paid anyway.

Net Worth

Add up assets and liabilities to get your net worth.

Credit Card Payoff

Months to payoff and total interest, two ways.

Retirement Calculator

How much you need and whether you are on track.