Calculate your net pay after federal tax, FICA, state tax, and deductions
Typical: 10% - 22% based on income bracket
Varies by state (0% - 13.3%)
401(k), health insurance, HSA, FSA
Union dues, garnishments, etc.
Take Home Pay (Net Pay)
$0.00
$0.00 per year
Gross Pay
$0.00
Total Deductions
$0.00
Federal Tax
$0.00
State Tax
$0.00
FICA (Soc. Sec + Medicare)
$0.00
Effective Tax Rate
0%
Take home pay, also known as net pay, is the actual amount of money you receive after all mandatory and voluntary deductions are subtracted from your gross earnings. It's the figure that appears in your bank account each pay period. Understanding your take home pay is essential for budgeting, saving, and making informed financial decisions. Many people confuse gross pay with take home pay, but the difference can be significant—often 20% to 35% of your income goes to taxes and other deductions before you ever see it.
Calculating your take home pay requires understanding all the deductions that come out of your paycheck. Here's the complete step-by-step process:
Taxable Income = Gross Pay − Pre-Tax Deductions
Federal Tax = Taxable Income × Federal Rate
State Tax = Taxable Income × State Rate
FICA = (Taxable Income × 6.2%) + (Taxable Income × 1.45%)
Take Home Pay = Taxable Income − Federal Tax − State Tax − FICA − Post-Tax Deductions
Understanding the three main types of payroll taxes is crucial for accurate take home pay calculation:
Progressive tax with 7 brackets from 10% to 37%. Based on W-4 form, filing status, and income level.
Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) = 7.65% total. Applies to all earned income up to limits.
Varies by state. 9 states have no income tax. California has highest at 13.3%.
Total earnings before any deductions. This is the number on your offer letter. For a $75,000 salary paid biweekly, gross pay is $2,884.62 per check.
What actually lands in your bank account. With typical deductions, that $2,884.62 gross becomes about $2,100-$2,300 net.
Let's calculate take home pay for someone earning $3,000 biweekly:
| Gross Pay | $3,000.00 |
| Pre-Tax Deductions (401k, insurance) | −$200.00 |
| Taxable Income | $2,800.00 |
| Federal Tax (12%) | −$336.00 |
| State Tax (5%) | −$140.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | −$173.60 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | −$40.60 |
| Post-Tax Deductions | −$50.00 |
| Take Home Pay | $2,059.80 |