Take-Home Pay Calculator
What will your paycheck actually look like? Enter your gross salary and pay frequency, and this take-home pay calculator estimates your federal income tax (using 2026 brackets) and FICA — then shows what lands in your bank account each payday. Results update live as you type.
Your pay
Your estimated paycheck
ESTIMATE — federal taxes only. Uses 2026 federal brackets and standard deduction with a flat 7.65% FICA. Excludes state and local taxes, pre-tax deductions (401k, health premiums), and the Social Security wage base. Not tax advice.
How the Estimate Works
First the 2026 standard deduction comes off ($16,100 single, $32,200 married filing jointly) — most people take it instead of itemizing. What is left is taxed slice by slice through the seven federal brackets (10% up to 37%), so only income inside each bracket pays that bracket's rate. Then a flat 7.65% covers Social Security and Medicare. Divide what remains by your pay periods, and that is your estimated take-home.
Why Your Real Paycheck Will Differ
This is federal tax only. State income tax, 401(k) contributions, health insurance premiums, HSA deductions, and other pre-tax items all shrink your check further — some a lot. Think of this calculator as your ceiling: your actual take-home will be at or below this number, never above it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these really the 2026 tax brackets?
Yes — the figures above come from IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32: seven rates from 10% to 37%, with the 10% bracket ending at $12,400 of taxable income for single filers ($24,800 joint). Brackets adjust yearly for inflation.
Does it include state tax?
No. State taxes range from zero (Texas, Florida, and others) to over 10% at the top end in states like California — look up your state's estimator for the full picture.
What about bonuses and overtime?
Bonuses are often withheld at a flat 22% federally, which can differ from your marginal rate. Enter your total expected annual pay above for the closest estimate.