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Free tool · 2026 tax tables · All 50 states + DC

Free Paycheck Calculator

See how much federal and state income tax comes out of your paycheck — and what you take home — in seconds. No sign-up.

How are you paid?

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How it works

How this paycheck calculator works

The calculator uses the same tax engine as our pay stub generator, so the numbers you see here are the numbers that appear on your stub.

Federal income tax

Withheld with the IRS percentage method in Publication 15-T for 2026, assuming a 2020-or-later Form W-4 with no adjustments and the filing status you pick.

Social Security & Medicare

6.2% Social Security on wages up to the 2026 wage base of $184,500, and 1.45% Medicare on all wages, plus 0.9% Additional Medicare on wages over $200,000 a year.

State income tax

Each state's own withholding formula, from its department of revenue. Nine states don't tax wages at all, so those paychecks show $0 state income tax.

By state

Paycheck calculator by state

Each state has its own calculator page with take-home pay examples and that state's income tax rates.

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FAQ

Common questions

Is this paycheck calculator free?

Yes. The calculator is free to use as often as you like, with no sign-up. Turning the result into a pay stub is free too — your first pay stub costs nothing, no credit card needed.

What taxes does the calculator include?

Federal income tax withholding, Social Security (6.2% up to the $184,500 wage base for 2026), Medicare (1.45%, plus 0.9% Additional Medicare on wages over $200,000) and your state's income tax withholding. It does not include state disability or paid-leave contributions, local taxes, or deductions such as health insurance and 401(k).

Which W-4 does the calculator assume?

The 2020-or-later Form W-4 with no adjustments — no second job, dependents, other income, extra deductions or extra withholding — and the filing status you choose. If your W-4 has entries in Steps 2–4, your actual federal withholding will differ.

Why is my pay after taxes different from my actual paycheck?

Your paycheck may also carry pre-tax benefits, retirement contributions, state disability or paid-leave contributions and local income taxes, none of which are part of this estimate. Withholding is also an estimate of your tax, not your final tax bill.

Can I turn the result into a pay stub?

Yes. Use the Create my free pay stub button under the results: your state, pay, pay frequency and filing status carry over to the pay stub generator, where you can add pay dates, benefits and other deductions. Your first pay stub is free.

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Other state deductions not shown in the calculator

Some states also take insurance or paid-leave contributions out of employees' pay. They aren't income taxes, so the calculator leaves them out; rates and wage limits are on each state's page.