Paycheck Calculator — Step-by-Step Solutions
The Paycheck Calculator estimates your net take-home pay after taxes and deductions. It supports four modes: gross-to-net for hourly workers, gross-to-net for salaried employees, hourly-to-annual wage conversion, and overtime pay calculation.
Enter your pay rate and filing details to see estimated federal tax, state tax, Social Security, Medicare, and your final take-home amount. Results update instantly as you adjust inputs.
This is an estimate. Actual paycheck may vary based on state taxes, deductions, and benefits.
Your calculations will appear here
How to Use the Paycheck Calculator
- Select a calculation mode: Gross to Net (Hourly), Gross to Net (Salary), Hourly/Annual Conversion, or Overtime Calculator.
- Enter your pay rate, hours per week, pay frequency, and filing status as applicable. Results update in real time.
- Review the step-by-step breakdown showing how federal income tax and FICA are calculated from your gross pay.
- The deduction breakdown chart shows the proportion of federal tax, Social Security, and Medicare taken from your pay.
Formula and Theory
Take-home pay (net pay) is your gross pay minus all deductions. The two main federal deductions are income tax and FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) taxes.
FICA consists of Social Security tax at 6.2% on wages up to $168,600 (the 2025 wage base) and Medicare tax at 1.45% on all wages.
The standard deduction reduces your taxable income before bracket rates apply. For 2025: $14,600 (single), $29,200 (married), $21,900 (head of household).
Overtime pay in the US is typically 1.5 times the regular hourly rate for hours worked beyond 40 in a work week.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Hourly worker biweekly paycheck
Problem: Calculate the net biweekly paycheck for $25/hr, 40 hrs/week, single filing.
Solution: Gross annual = $52,000. Apply tax brackets and FICA. Divide net annual by 26.
Answer: Approximately $1,537 net biweekly
Example 2: Salaried worker monthly paycheck
Problem: Net monthly paycheck for a $75,000 salary, single filing.
Solution: Taxable income = $60,400. Apply brackets and FICA. Divide by 12.
Answer: Approximately $4,872 net monthly
Example 3: Overtime calculation
Problem: $20/hr, 50 hours worked this week.
Solution: Regular = 40 x $20 = $800. OT = 10 x $20 x 1.5 = $300.
Answer: $1,100 total weekly pay
Example 4: Hourly to annual conversion
Problem: Convert $30/hour to annual salary.
Solution: $30 x 40 x 52 = $62,400.
Answer: $62,400 per year
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this calculator include state taxes?
What is FICA and how is it calculated?
How are federal tax brackets applied?
What is the difference between gross pay and net pay?
How is overtime pay calculated?
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