Payroll calculator
US Paycheck Calculator
Use this paycheck calculator to estimate gross pay, federal income tax, FICA payroll tax and take-home pay. It is built for US workers who want a practical planning number before payday.
Calculator
Calculator
Paycheck frequency comparison
The calculator keeps annual pay constant and shows how the same annual take-home estimate is divided across weekly, biweekly, semi-monthly and monthly checks. This matters for cash flow: rent may be monthly, but groceries, fuel and childcare often happen weekly.
| Frequency | Checks per year | Best planning use |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly | 52 | Workers who budget one week at a time. |
| Biweekly | 26 | Workers with two months that may include a third check. |
| Semi-monthly | 24 | Salaried jobs paid twice each month. |
| Monthly | 12 | One larger check that must cover the full month. |
Tax breakdown and take-home scenarios
The primary result is estimated net pay for the selected frequency. The visual comparison separates federal income tax, FICA, optional state/local tax and take-home pay so the user can see what creates the gap between gross and net pay.
Worked example
A $68,000 salary paid biweekly is about $2,615 gross per check before deductions. The calculator estimates annual federal income tax using 2026 brackets, applies FICA, subtracts optional state/local tax, then divides annual net pay by 26 checks.
What changes the result?
Filing status changes the standard deduction and bracket space. Pre-tax deductions can lower taxable wages. State/local tax is optional because this tool does not model every state payroll system. Pay frequency changes check size, but not annual gross salary.
Methodology and limits
Annual wages are reduced by annualized pre-tax deductions. Federal taxable income is estimated with the 2026 standard deduction and tax brackets, then FICA is applied to wages after pre-tax deductions. The result is a planning estimate, not a payroll stub or refund calculation.
Invalid or empty numeric inputs are treated as zero by the calculator engine so the result panel stays readable. Dollar values are rounded to whole dollars except small values that benefit from cents.
Using the result responsibly
- Use net pay, not gross pay, when setting rent, debt-payment and savings targets.
- Compare the scenario cards before changing withholding or benefit elections.
- Check employer payroll settings, W-4 entries and state-specific rules before relying on the estimate for a final paycheck decision.
Sources and review
Last reviewed: August 8, 2026.
- IRS 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
- IRS Publication 15 payroll tax guidance
- Social Security Administration wage base information
See the calculator methodology and data sources pages.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my paycheck lower than salary divided by pay periods?
Gross salary is reduced by federal income tax, FICA payroll tax, optional state/local tax, pre-tax benefit deductions and any other employer deductions.
Does this calculator show a refund?
No. It estimates paycheck take-home pay. A refund or amount owed depends on withholding, credits, other income and payments across the full tax year.
Which pay frequency should I choose?
Choose the frequency your employer uses. Weekly is 52 checks per year, biweekly is 26, semi-monthly is 24 and monthly is 12.
Why include state tax as a percentage?
State and local payroll systems vary widely, so the field is optional. Enter a rough combined rate only when you want a planning adjustment.