US
How to Read Your US Paycheck: FICA, Federal & State Withholding
Every line on a US paycheck stub explained — federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, state tax, and pre-tax deductions like 401(k) and HSA.
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US Paycheck Calculator (2026)
Estimate your take-home pay per paycheck after federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and pre-tax 401(k) contributions. Pick weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, or monthly to match your employer's pay schedule. State income tax is not included — varies by state.
How is this calculated?
Federal income tax is calculated on (annual salary − pre-tax 401(k)) using the standard bracket schedule for your filing status. FICA (Social Security 6.2% to wage base + Medicare 1.45% on all + Additional Medicare 0.9% above threshold) is calculated on the FULL gross salary — pre-tax 401(k) does NOT reduce FICA wages. The annual numbers are then divided by your pay-period frequency: weekly = 52, biweekly = 26, semimonthly = 24, monthly = 12. This is a simplified model — actual paycheck withholding uses IRS Pub 15-T tables which vary slightly. State, local, and benefit deductions are not included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my real paycheck different from this estimate?
This calculator covers federal income tax, FICA, and pre-tax 401(k). Real paychecks also include: state and local income tax, pre-tax health insurance, HSA/FSA contributions, dependent-care FSA, after-tax deductions (Roth 401(k), garnishments), and use IRS Publication 15-T withholding tables that incorporate W-4 settings. Use this for ballpark math; for exact numbers, ask your HR or use payroll software.
Should I increase my 401(k) contribution?
Try setting different pre-tax 401(k) annual amounts to see the impact on take-home pay vs. retirement savings. Contributions reduce federal income tax in proportion to your marginal bracket — a $10,000 contribution at the 22% bracket cuts your federal tax by $2,200, so your take-home only drops by $7,800 even though your retirement account grows by $10,000.
What's the difference between biweekly and semimonthly?
Biweekly = every 2 weeks = 26 paychecks per year (so 2 months a year you get 3 paychecks). Semimonthly = twice per month, on fixed dates (e.g. 15th and last day) = exactly 24 paychecks per year. Same annual pay, different per-paycheck amounts.
Does this work for hourly workers?
If your hours are consistent week-to-week, multiply your hourly rate by your typical weekly hours × 52 to get an annual salary, then enter that. Variable-hour pay is harder to estimate — just convert each paycheck individually.
What about bonuses?
Federal withholding on bonuses uses different rules — typically a flat 22% (or 37% for amounts over $1M). The bonus is then reconciled against your normal bracket on your tax return. This calculator estimates regular salary withholding only.
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Last updated: May 2026 · Rates sourced from IRS