How it works
The calculator starts from your gross pay for the year and takes out, in order: pre-tax 401(k) and health insurance, federal income tax (2026 brackets after the standard deduction, minus $2,200 per child and $500 per other dependent), Social Security (6.2% up to $184,500), Medicare (1.45%, plus 0.9% above $200,000), and state and local taxes. Then it divides by the number of paychecks in a year.
Take-home = gross − pre-tax deductions − federal tax − Social Security − Medicare − state and local taxes
Worked example
A single worker in Texas earning $60,000, paid every two weeks: federal income tax $5,020 a year, Social Security $3,720, Medicare $870. Take-home is about $50,390 a year, or $1,938.08 per paycheck.
Frequently asked questions
Is this paycheck calculator exact?
No, it's an estimate. It uses 2026 tax tables and the standard deduction, but your real paycheck also depends on your W-4, other deductions and your employer's payroll system.
What is the 2026 Social Security wage limit?
$184,500. Social Security tax (6.2%) stops once you've earned that much in the year. Medicare (1.45%) has no limit, and an extra 0.9% applies above $200,000.
How much is the 2026 standard deduction?
$16,100 for single filers, $32,200 for married couples filing jointly and $24,150 for heads of household.
Which states have no income tax?
Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire (wages), South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming don't tax wages.