What is the Payroll Tax Calculator?
In short
Payroll taxes include Social Security (6.2% on wages up to $184,500 in 2026), Medicare (1.45% with an extra 0.9% above $200,000 for single filers), federal income tax withheld based on your W-4 and tax bracket, and state income tax. Together these deductions determine your actual take-home pay. Your employer also pays a matching 6.2% Social Security and 1.45% Medicare on your behalf.
This payroll tax calculator breaks down a paycheck into its components: gross pay, FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare), federal income tax withholding, state income tax, and net take-home pay. It supports hourly and salaried workers and shows both per-paycheck and annualized figures.
How to use this calculator
- 1Enter your gross pay (hourly wage × hours worked, or salary ÷ pay periods).
- 2Select your pay frequency (weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, or monthly).
- 3Choose your federal filing status and number of allowances or W-4 adjustments.
- 4Select your state to include state income tax withholding.
- 5Review the detailed paycheck breakdown and annual totals.
The formula
- SS
- — Social Security tax = Gross × 6.2% (up to the $184,500 annual wage base for 2026)
- MC
- — Medicare tax = Gross × 1.45% (+ 0.9% above $200K single)
- FIT
- — Federal income tax withheld per W-4 and bracket
- SIT
- — State income tax withheld
- Net
- — Gross − SS − MC − FIT − SIT − other deductions
Worked example
The scenario
Biweekly gross pay of $3,846 ($100,000/year salary), single filer, no extra withholding, in Texas (no state income tax).
The result
Social Security: $238/check. Medicare: $56/check. Federal income tax (2026 brackets after the $16,100 standard deduction): ~$507/check. State income tax: $0. Net take-home: approximately $3,045 per paycheck, or roughly $79,000/year. In a state with an income tax, subtract that state's withholding as well.
Common use cases
- Verifying your paycheck stub against expected deductions
- Estimating take-home pay before accepting a job offer
- Planning a budget based on actual net income rather than gross salary
- Understanding how a raise or bonus affects your net after taxes
- Comparing the net pay impact of pre-tax 401k vs. Roth 401k contributions
Limitations & assumptions
- Federal withholding is an estimate based on standard W-4 settings; actual withholding may differ based on your W-4 elections, additional income, or deductions.
- Does not include pre-tax benefit deductions (health insurance, FSA, 401k) unless manually subtracted from gross pay.
- State tax rates are simplified averages and may not reflect your exact bracket, local taxes, or deductions.
- Self-employment income is taxed differently (see the Self-Employment Tax Calculator).
Official sources
Official publications for rules and figures this page uses. Rates and rules change, so confirm the current figures with the publisher before you rely on them:
Frequently asked questions
What are payroll taxes?
What is FICA tax?
How is federal income tax withholding calculated?
Does my employer also pay payroll taxes?
How do pre-tax deductions reduce my paycheck taxes?
What is the Social Security wage base?
Why do I owe money at tax time if my employer withholds taxes?
How does a bonus get taxed?
Disclaimer: KalkWise calculators are provided for general informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the figures you enter and the assumptions described above. Actual outcomes will vary. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.