How to calculate take-home pay

Last updated: 2026-08-14

Take-home pay is what remains after payroll taxes and deductions come out of gross pay. A paycheck calculator estimates that path in stages: gross wages, pre-tax deductions, taxable wages, payroll taxes, withholding, post-tax deductions, and net pay.

The basic order

Start with gross pay for the paycheck period. Subtract pre-tax deductions when they apply. Then estimate federal income tax withholding, Social Security, Medicare, supported state or local taxes, and post-tax deductions. The remaining amount is estimated net pay.

Why pay frequency matters

A $60,000 salary does not land the same way on every paycheck. Weekly, biweekly, semi-monthly, and monthly payrolls divide the year differently, and withholding methods use the pay period to annualize income.

Use the calculator

Open the U.S. paycheck calculator to enter pay, filing status, deductions, and state coverage. For related tools, use the paycheck calculators hub.