Take-Home Pay Calculator
Estimate your US take-home pay after federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and state taxes. See your effective tax rate and net paycheck for any pay period.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my take-home pay so much less than my salary?
Federal income tax, state tax, Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), and any voluntary deductions (401k, health insurance) are all deducted before you receive pay. Combined, these typically reduce gross pay by 25–40% depending on income and location.
How do pre-tax deductions affect take-home pay?
Pre-tax deductions (401k, FSA, HSA, health insurance) reduce your taxable income before taxes are calculated, saving you money at your marginal tax rate. A $500/month 401k contribution at a 22% marginal rate effectively costs only $390 after-tax.
What is the W-4 and how does it affect withholding?
Form W-4 tells your employer how much federal income tax to withhold. Claiming more allowances reduces withholding (higher take-home pay, but possible underpayment at tax time). Claiming fewer increases withholding (lower take-home, larger refund).