Free Paycheck Calculator
A free paycheck calculator — see your estimated take-home pay after taxes and payroll deductions from your gross salary.
How the payroll deductions calculator works
It subtracts your pre-tax deductions from gross pay to find taxable wages, applies your income tax rate, adds FICA (7.65% on gross), and leaves your take-home pay for the period.
Worked example: with gross pay per period of $3,000, pay periods per year of 26 and pre-tax deductions per period (401k, health) of $400, the payroll deductions calculator shows take-home pay per period of $1,798.50.
- Pre-tax deductions
- $400.00
- Income tax
- $572.00
- FICA (Social Security + Medicare)
- $229.50
- Net pay
- $1,798.50
| Gross pay per period | Take-home pay per period |
|---|---|
| $2,000 | $1,095.00 |
| $3,000 | $1,798.50 |
| $5,000 | $3,205.50 |
| $8,000 | $5,316.00 |
The formula
Net pay = gross − pre-tax deductions − (taxable wages × income tax rate) − (gross × 7.65% FICA).
Results are estimates for educational purposes and are not financial advice. Confirm exact figures with your lender, plan administrator or advisor.
Questions about the payroll deductions calculator
What is FICA?
The combined Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) payroll tax — 7.65% total — withheld from your gross pay. Your employer pays a matching amount.
Why do pre-tax deductions help?
They lower the wages subject to income tax, so they reduce your take-home pay by less than their full amount. Common examples are 401(k) and health-insurance premiums.
Is this exact withholding?
It is an estimate. Real withholding depends on your W-4, filing status and state, but this shows the mechanics of gross-to-net pay.
Is the Payroll Deductions Calculator free to use?
Yes. Every calculator on FinCalculators is completely free, with no sign-up, login or paywall. You can run as many scenarios as you like.
- 2026 Social Security & FICA Payroll Tax Facts — COLA, wage base, FICA rates, maximum benefit by age and the earnings test, 2026 and 2025.