Paycheck calculator
An estimate using the 2026 federal tables, the standard deduction and a flat state rate. It does not model state brackets, local tax, credits, dependants or a W-4 with extra withholding, so a real payslip will differ.
Take-home pay is gross pay less pre-tax deductions, federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare, and any state tax. Federal tax is charged in bands on income above the standard deduction, which for 2026 is $16,100 single and $32,200 filing jointly. Social Security takes 6.2% up to $184,500 of wages; Medicare takes 1.45% of everything.
How to use this calculator
Notice the difference between the effective rate and the marginal rate. The marginal rate is what the next dollar is taxed at and it is the number people quote; the effective rate is what you actually pay across the whole salary, and it is always lower because the early bands are taxed at 10% and 12%. On $85,000 single the marginal rate is 22% and the effective rate, FICA included, is around 24%.
Questions
Employers withhold using the W-4 you filed, which can carry extra withholding, dependants or a second-job adjustment. This calculator applies the standard deduction and nothing else.
A 401(k) deferral reduces income tax but not Social Security or Medicare, which are charged on the full wage. Some health premiums under a Section 125 plan do reduce all three.
Social Security stops at $184,500 of wages for 2026, so pay above that is 6.2% cheaper. Medicare carries on, and adds 0.9% above $200,000 single or $250,000 joint.
Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming. Leave the state field at zero for those.
IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32, which sets the inflation-adjusted figures for tax year 2026. They are listed under the calculator so you can check them.