See your estimated take-home pay per check after taxes and 401(k).
A take-home pay calculator estimates your net paycheck after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare, a state tax estimate, and pre-tax 401(k) contributions.
Your gross salary shrinks through several layers: pre-tax deductions like a 401(k) lower your taxable income first, then federal income tax applies to what's left after the standard deduction, and Social Security (6.2% up to the wage base) plus Medicare (1.45%) come out of gross pay. What remains, minus state tax, is your take-home.
Paycheck withholding is an estimate the payroll system makes; your actual tax is settled when you file, which is why refunds and bills happen. Credits, other income, and itemized deductions can move the real number. This calculator gives a solid estimate for planning, but treat it as a guide, not an exact paystub.
Start with gross, subtract pre-tax deductions like 401(k), then federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and state tax. What remains is take-home.
Taxes and deductions, federal, Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), state, and any retirement or benefit contributions, all come out before you're paid.
It's a close estimate for the 2025 federal rules. Actual withholding varies with your W-4, credits, and local taxes.
See the exact formula and a worked example on our methodology page.