How to Use the Paycheck Calculator
- Choose Salary or Hourly. For hourly pay, enter your rate and the hours you work in a typical week.
- Pick how often you’re paid. Bi-weekly means 26 paychecks a year, semi-monthly means 24.
- Choose the filing status you use on your Form W-4.
- Add any 401(k), health insurance, HSA or other deductions taken from each paycheck.
- Read the breakdown to see where each dollar goes, per paycheck and per year.
What the Calculator Includes
Federal income tax withholding uses the IRS standard withholding method for 2026. Social Security is 6.2% of wages up to $184,500, and Medicare is 1.45% of all wages plus 0.9% on wages over $200,000. State income tax uses each state’s 2026 rates, standard deduction, exemptions and credits. Where cities or counties tax wages, you can add a local rate. The results tell you when a state figure is an estimate or when a state payroll program isn’t included.
Paycheck Calculator FAQs
Why doesn’t my result match my pay stub exactly?
Employers use your W-4 answers, benefit elections and their own payroll settings. Small rounding differences are normal. A large gap usually means a deduction or W-4 entry isn’t in the calculator.
Which tax year does it use?
2026, with federal figures from the IRS and the Social Security Administration.
Is withholding the same as the tax I owe?
No. Withholding is an advance payment. Your actual tax for the year is settled when you file your return, so you may get a refund or owe more.