How to Calculate Your Paycheck
Your take-home pay is your gross pay minus all deductions: federal income tax, state income tax, Social Security (FICA), Medicare, retirement contributions, and other deductions.
2025 Federal Tax Brackets (Single)
| Income Range | Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $11,925 | 10% |
| $11,926 – $48,475 | 12% |
| $48,476 – $103,350 | 22% |
| $103,351 – $197,300 | 24% |
| $197,301 – $250,525 | 32% |
| $250,526 – $626,350 | 35% |
| $626,351+ | 37% |
FICA Taxes
Social Security: 6.2% on wages up to $176,100. Medicare: 1.45% on all wages, plus 0.9% on wages over $200,000.
Tips to Increase Take-Home Pay
- Maximize pre-tax deductions (401k, HSA, FSA)
- Check W-4 withholding allowances
- Use tax-advantaged commuter benefits
How to Use This Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary, pay frequency (weekly, biweekly, semi-monthly, monthly), federal tax rate, and state tax rate. The calculator breaks down each paycheck.
Formula & How It Works
Gross per Period = Annual Salary / Pay Periods. Deductions: Federal Tax, State Tax, Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%). Net = Gross β All Deductions.
Calculation Example
Annual salary $65,000, paid biweekly (26 pay periods): Gross per check = $2,500. After 22% fed, 5% state, 6.2% SS, 1.45% Medicare: Net = $1,634.
Expert Tips
Biweekly pay gives you 2 "extra" paychecks per year compared to semi-monthly. Use those bonus checks for savings goals. Verify your W-4 withholding to avoid a big refund or tax bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often are Social Security taxes withheld?
Social Security tax is withheld every paycheck until you hit the wage base limit ($176,100 in 2025). After that, no more SS tax for the rest of the year.
Does 401(k) reduce my taxable income?
Yes. Traditional 401(k) contributions are pre-tax, reducing your federal and state taxable income. Roth 401(k) contributions are after-tax.
What is the difference between gross pay and net pay?
Gross pay is total earnings before deductions. Net pay (take-home pay) is what you actually receive after all taxes and deductions.