US Paycheck & Take-Home Pay Calculator

Federal income tax is calculated using a progressive tax system with brackets ranging from 10% to 37%. Your employer withholds an estimated amount based on your W-4 filing status and allowances. The actual tax you owe is reconciled when you file your annual tax return. This calculator provides an estimate based on standard deduction and current tax brackets.

FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) tax funds Social Security and Medicare. Social Security tax is 6.2% of your gross wages up to $168,600 (2025 limit). Medicare tax is 1.45% on all earnings, with an additional 0.9% surcharge on earnings over $200,000. Your employer matches these contributions, so the total FICA rate is 15.3% split equally.

Start with your gross pay per pay period. Subtract federal income tax (based on filing status and allowances), state income tax (varies by state), Social Security tax (6.2%), and Medicare tax (1.45%). The result is your net take-home pay. Pre-tax deductions like 401(k) contributions and health insurance premiums reduce your taxable income.

On average, Americans pay about 22-30% of their gross income in combined federal, state, and FICA taxes. Federal income tax typically accounts for 12-15%, FICA takes 7.65%, and state tax varies from 0% (Texas, Florida) to over 13% (California). This calculator shows the exact breakdown for your situation.