Paycheck Calculator 2026

Enter your salary or hourly rate, pick how often you get paid, and see your exact take-home amount per check.

Your Paycheck Details

$
$

Estimates only. Actual withholding may vary. Consult a tax professional for advice.

Your Estimated Take-Home Pay
$0.00
per paycheck

Paycheck Breakdown

Gross Pay (this check) $0.00
Federal Income Tax βˆ’$0.00
State Income Tax βˆ’$0.00
Social Security (6.2%) βˆ’$0.00
Medicare (1.45%) βˆ’$0.00
Net Take-Home Pay $0.00

Annual Summary

Annual Gross
$0
Total Taxes
$0
Annual Take-Home
$0
Effective Tax Rate
0%
Paychecks / Year
26
Tax per Check
$0

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between biweekly and semi-monthly pay?

Biweekly means you get paid every two weeks β€” 26 paychecks per year. Semi-monthly means twice a month on set dates (like the 1st and 15th) β€” 24 paychecks per year. Biweekly results in two "bonus paycheck" months annually.

Why is my paycheck less than I expected?

Your employer withholds federal income tax, state income tax, Social Security (6.2%), and Medicare (1.45%) from every check. If you also have health insurance, a 401(k), or an HSA deducted pre-tax, that further reduces your take-home β€” but also lowers your taxable income.

What are pre-tax deductions?

Pre-tax deductions like 401(k) contributions, health insurance premiums, and HSA contributions reduce your taxable income before federal (and usually state) tax is calculated. This means you pay less in taxes overall.

How is federal income tax calculated per paycheck?

Your employer annualizes your per-check pay, applies the 2026 federal brackets (10%–37%), subtracts your standard deduction, then divides by your number of pay periods. This calculator does that same math so you see an accurate estimate.

What is the standard deduction for 2026?

For 2026, the standard deduction is $16,100 for single filers and $32,200 for married filing jointly. This amount is subtracted from your gross income before federal tax brackets are applied.

Do I owe the additional 0.9% Medicare tax?

Yes, if your income exceeds $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly). Employers withhold this automatically once your wages cross $200,000 in a calendar year.

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