US Paycheck Calculator (2025)
Enter your annual salary and state. We estimate federal income tax (IRS Pub. 15-T method), Social Security, Medicare, and state withholding to show your estimated take-home pay.
In plain English
| Gross | $2307.69 |
| Pre-tax deductions | −$0.00 |
| Federal income tax (est.) | −$257.92 |
| Social Security | −$143.08 |
| Medicare | −$33.46 |
| State tax (est.) | −$73.55 |
| Take-home pay | $1799.68 |
Tax year 2025. Estimate based on IRS Pub. 15-T percentage method (Standard Withholding). Real paychecks vary because of W-4 details, multiple jobs, year-to-date wages, and employer-specific settings. Use as a starting point.
Worked example
$80,000 salary, single filer, biweekly pay (26 periods), no state income tax (e.g. Texas), 5% to a traditional 401(k).
Per-period gross: $3,077. 401(k) pre-tax: $154. Federal taxable: $2,923. Federal withholding (est.): ~$294. Social Security 6.2% × $3,077 = $191. Medicare 1.45% × $3,077 = $45. State: $0. Take-home: ~$2,394.
Worked example uses round numbers for clarity. Your actual figures will differ — use the calculator above for an estimate.
What to check on your pay stub
- Did you select the correct filing status (Single / Married Jointly / Head of Household)?
- Is your state correct? (Work state usually drives withholding.)
- Did you include the right pay frequency? (Biweekly = 26, semimonthly = 24, monthly = 12.)
- Are pre-tax deductions (401k, HSA, FSA, health) entered as per-paycheck amounts?
- Compare the estimate to your most recent stub — within ~5%? Reasonable. Wider gap? Likely a W-4 or YTD effect.
If your real paycheck differs from this estimate by more than ~10%, ask payroll for the W-4 and benefit settings currently on file. Use the Ask Payroll Generator to draft a polite, specific message in 30 seconds.
How this calculator works
Federal income tax is calculated by annualizing your per-period gross pay, applying the IRS Pub. 15-T 2025 percentage method (Standard Withholding, Step 2 unchecked), then dividing back to per-paycheck. FICA is 6.2% Social Security up to the $176,100 wage base plus 1.45% Medicare. State tax uses each state\'s 2025 published bracket or flat rate.
Why your real paycheck may differ
- W-4 Step 2 (multiple jobs / both spouses work) uses different tables.
- Dependents, other income, and deductions on your W-4 change federal withholding.
- Year-to-date wages crossing the Social Security wage base eliminate the SS deduction.
- Year-to-date wages over $200,000 trigger the 0.9% Additional Medicare Tax.
- State allowances, credits, and local tax can change state withholding.
- Pre-tax benefits (401k, HSA, health) reduce taxable wages.
Official sources
- IRS Publication 15-T, Federal Income Tax Withholding Methods — IRS · 2025 · last verified 2025-04-01
- IRS Form W-4 and instructions — IRS · 2025 · last verified 2025-04-01
- IRS Topic 751 — Social Security and Medicare Withholding Rates — IRS · 2025 · last verified 2025-04-01
- SSA — Contribution and Benefit Base — SSA · 2025 · last verified 2025-04-01
Common questions
How accurate is the take-home estimate?▾
It uses the IRS Pub. 15-T 2025 percentage method for federal withholding plus state and FICA. Real paycheck amounts can differ because of W-4 Step 2, multiple jobs, dependents, year-to-date earnings, and employer-specific payroll settings. Treat it as a starting estimate.
Why does my actual paycheck differ from the estimate?▾
W-4 changes, year-to-date wages crossing the Social Security wage base, supplemental wage rules, employer-specific benefits, and state allowances all change the math.