Net Pay Calculator
Find your actual take-home pay after federal taxes, state taxes, FICA, and other deductions are withheld from your gross paycheck. Use this when budgeting, comparing job offers, or verifying paycheck accuracy.
About this calculator
Net pay is the amount you actually receive after all mandatory and voluntary deductions are subtracted from your gross pay. The formula is: Net Pay = grossPay − (grossPay × federalTaxRate / 100) − (grossPay × stateTaxRate / 100) − (grossPay × ficaRate / 100) − otherDeductions. Federal income tax is withheld based on your W-4 elections and filing status. FICA covers Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%), totaling 7.65% for most employees. State tax rates vary widely — from 0% in states like Texas and Florida to over 13% in California. Other deductions can include health insurance premiums, 401(k) contributions, or wage garnishments. Understanding each component helps you predict your paycheck and plan your budget accurately.
How to use
Suppose your gross pay is $3,000, your federal tax rate is 22%, state tax rate is 5%, FICA rate is 7.65%, and other deductions total $150. Step 1: Federal tax = $3,000 × 0.22 = $660. Step 2: State tax = $3,000 × 0.05 = $150. Step 3: FICA = $3,000 × 0.0765 = $229.50. Step 4: Net Pay = $3,000 − $660 − $150 − $229.50 − $150 = $1,810.50. Your take-home pay for that pay period is $1,810.50.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between gross pay and net pay?
Gross pay is your total earnings before any deductions — the number listed in your employment contract or offer letter. Net pay, often called take-home pay, is what remains after federal taxes, state taxes, FICA, and other deductions are subtracted. For most employees, net pay is 65–80% of gross pay depending on tax rates and benefit elections. Understanding both figures is essential for accurate budgeting.
What does FICA stand for and how much is withheld from my paycheck?
FICA stands for the Federal Insurance Contributions Act. It funds two programs: Social Security, which is taxed at 6.2% of gross wages up to an annual wage base ($168,600 in 2024), and Medicare, taxed at 1.45% with no cap. Together they total 7.65% for most employees. High earners pay an additional 0.9% Medicare surtax on wages above $200,000.
How can I increase my net take-home pay without getting a raise?
You can increase net pay by adjusting your W-4 withholding if you've historically received large refunds, meaning you've been over-withholding. Contributing to a pre-tax 401(k) or HSA reduces your taxable income, which lowers federal and state tax withheld. If eligible, claiming tax credits like the Earned Income Credit also reduces your annual tax liability. Even small adjustments to voluntary deductions can meaningfully boost each paycheck.