A $75,000 salary never means $75,000 in your pocket. By the time federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and your pre-tax deductions are taken out, the number on your pay stub is far smaller — and most people never see exactly where the money goes. This free paycheck calculator shows the full breakdown, using the actual 2026 federal tax brackets and payroll tax rules.
Pre-tax deductions (401(k), health premiums, HSA) come off first and lower your taxable income. Federal income tax is then applied progressively across seven brackets, so only your top dollars face your top rate. Social Security takes 6.2% of wages up to the 2026 wage base of $184,500, and Medicare takes 1.45% (plus 0.9% on high earners).
Use it when evaluating a job offer, setting a budget, or deciding how much to put into your 401(k).
How to use the Paycheck Calculator
- Enter your gross annual salary — the full amount before any deductions.
- Pick your filing status (single, married filing jointly, or head of household) — it sets your tax brackets and standard deduction.
- Choose your pay frequency — weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, or monthly.
- Add annual pre-tax deductions for 401(k), health premiums, and HSA/FSA if you have them.
- Click Calculate to see take-home pay per paycheck, the full tax breakdown, and your effective and marginal rates.
Tips for a more accurate estimate
- Pre-tax 401(k) and HSA contributions shrink your taxable income — raising them lowers this year’s tax bill.
- State and local taxes are not included here; they can add several percent in high-tax states.
- Compare the result with an actual pay stub and adjust your W-4 if withholding looks far off.
The 2026 federal figures behind this calculator
This calculator uses the IRS’s published 2026 numbers: seven tax brackets (10%–37%), standard deductions of $16,100 (single), $32,200 (joint), and $24,150 (head of household), Social Security at 6.2% up to a $184,500 wage base, and Medicare at 1.45% plus 0.9% over $200,000 ($250,000 joint).
Frequently asked questions
How is take-home pay calculated?
Take-home pay equals gross salary minus pre-tax deductions (401(k), health premiums, HSA), minus federal income tax, minus Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) payroll taxes.
Why is my paycheck smaller than my salary divided by 26?
Federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare are withheld from every check, and pre-tax deductions like 401(k) and health premiums come out first. The result is always less than a simple salary ÷ 26.
What is the difference between marginal and effective tax rate?
Your marginal rate is the tax on your last dollar of income (your top bracket). Your effective rate is total tax divided by total income — usually much lower, because the progressive system taxes lower dollars at lower rates.
Does this paycheck calculator include state income tax?
No — it estimates federal taxes only. States like Texas and Florida add no income tax, while states like California and New York have their own brackets on top of federal.