Free Paycheck Calculator & Pay Stub Generator
Calculate Your Take-Home Pay for Salary & Hourly Wages — Generate Pay Stubs Instantly
Estimate your net pay after federal & state income taxes, Social Security, Medicare, health insurance, 401(k) contributions, and other payroll deductions. Download professional pay stubs as PDF, Excel, or Word.
Your Pay Stub Preview
Fill out the form to generate your personalized pay stub. Follow the steps to provide all necessary information.
Did you know?
- The average American worker will receive over 1,000 pay stubs in their lifetime
- In most states, employers are legally required to provide pay stubs
- Digital pay stubs reduce paper waste and are easier to store
- Keeping your pay stubs is important for tax purposes and loan applications
Complete Guide to Understanding Your Paycheck
This pay stub calculator is designed to provide general guidance and estimates for educational purposes. It should not be relied upon to compute exact taxes, payroll, or other financial data. Always consult a qualified accountant or tax advisor regarding specific requirements.
How to Calculate Net Income from Your Paycheck
Your net income, sometimes referred to as take-home pay, is the amount deposited into your bank account after all mandatory and voluntary deductions have been applied. Arriving at this figure involves several sequential steps:
- Start with gross earnings — your total compensation before anything is subtracted, including base wages, overtime, bonuses, and commissions.
- Subtract pre-tax contributions — deductions like traditional 401(k) deposits, health savings account (HSA) contributions, and employer-sponsored health premiums reduce your taxable income before taxes are computed.
- Withhold federal, state, and local income taxes — your employer applies the rates indicated by your W-4 filing status and the current IRS brackets to determine the correct withholding amount.
- Deduct FICA taxes — Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) are calculated on your gross wages, subject to annual wage base limits.
- Remove post-tax deductions — Roth retirement contributions, supplemental life insurance, union dues, and voluntary charitable giving come out after taxes.
- Apply any wage garnishments — court-ordered deductions such as child support, alimony, or debt repayment are subtracted last.
The remaining amount is your net income.
How to Calculate Your Annual Income
To determine your annual salary from a periodic paycheck, multiply your gross pay per period by the number of pay periods in a year. The formula adjusts depending on your pay schedule:
Weekly Pay
Gross per week x 52 = Annual salary
Example: $1,500/week x 52 = $78,000/year
Bi-weekly Pay
Gross per period x 26 = Annual salary
Example: $3,000/period x 26 = $78,000/year
Semi-monthly Pay
Gross per period x 24 = Annual salary
Example: $3,250/period x 24 = $78,000/year
Monthly Pay
Gross per month x 12 = Annual salary
Example: $6,500/month x 12 = $78,000/year
For hourly workers, multiply your hourly rate by the average hours worked per week, then multiply by 52. Include expected overtime when estimating annual earnings, but remember that bonuses and variable commissions may require separate tracking.
What Is a Paycheck and How Does It Work?
A paycheck is the instrument through which employers compensate employees for work performed during a given pay period. The most prevalent delivery schedules in the United States are bi-weekly (every two weeks, producing 26 paychecks annually) and semi-monthly (twice per month, yielding 24 paychecks). However, exact schedules can vary based on state regulations, industry norms, and collective bargaining agreements.
While paper checks were once standard, the majority of employers now use direct deposit to transfer funds electronically into employee bank accounts. Some organizations also offer pay cards — prepaid debit cards loaded with wages — which can be especially useful for unbanked workers who lack traditional checking accounts.
Information on a Paycheck
- Check number and date of issue
- Employer name and business address
- Employee name and mailing address
- Payment amount (net pay)
- Bank routing and account numbers
- Optional memo or reference line
Information on a Pay Stub
- Pay period start and end dates
- Hours worked (regular and overtime)
- Gross pay and net (take-home) pay
- Federal, state, and local tax withholdings
- FICA deductions (Social Security & Medicare)
- Benefit deductions and garnishments
- Year-to-date (YTD) totals
- Paid time off (PTO) balance
Paycheck Withholdings and Deductions Explained
If you have ever wondered why your deposit is noticeably smaller than your stated salary, it comes down to the various withholdings and deductions extracted from every paycheck. Here is a breakdown of the most common categories:
Federal Income Tax Withholding
Your employer withholds federal income tax based on the information you provide on IRS Form W-4 (Employee Withholding Certificate). The amount depends on your filing status (single, married filing jointly, head of household), number of dependents, whether you hold multiple jobs, and any additional withholding you request. The IRS updates tax brackets annually to adjust for inflation.
FICA Contributions (Social Security & Medicare)
Both employees and employers contribute to FICA. The employee portion consists of 6.2% for Social Security (up to an annual wage base of $176,100 for 2025) and 1.45% for Medicare with no income cap. High earners above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly) also pay an additional 0.9% Medicare surcharge — a cost borne solely by the employee.
State and Local Tax Withholding
Tax obligations vary dramatically by geography. Nine states — Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming — do not levy a state income tax on wages. Others impose flat or progressive rates. Some municipalities add city or county income taxes on top. Your employer determines the correct state withholding based on where you live and work.
Employer-Sponsored Benefit Deductions
Many employers share the cost of benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance; retirement savings plans (401(k), 403(b)); flexible spending accounts (FSA); and health savings accounts (HSA). Pre-tax deductions lower your taxable income, effectively reducing your overall tax burden. Post-tax deductions, like Roth 401(k) contributions, do not reduce taxable income but offer tax-free growth and withdrawals in retirement.
Wage Garnishments
If a court issues a garnishment order, your employer is legally required to withhold a portion of your wages and remit it to the designated party. Common reasons include unpaid child support, defaulted student loans, overdue tax debts, and outstanding civil judgments. Federal law limits the total amount that can be garnished, typically to 25% of disposable earnings.
Federal Income Tax Brackets (Single Filers)
2024 Tax Year (filed by April 2025)
| Taxable Income Range | Marginal Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $11,600 | 10% |
| $11,601 – $47,150 | 12% |
| $47,151 – $100,525 | 22% |
| $100,526 – $191,950 | 24% |
| $191,951 – $243,725 | 32% |
| $243,726 – $609,350 | 35% |
| $609,351 and above | 37% |
2025 Tax Year (filed by April 2026)
| Taxable Income Range | Marginal Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $11,925 | 10% |
| $11,926 – $48,475 | 12% |
| $48,476 – $103,350 | 22% |
| $103,351 – $197,300 | 24% |
| $197,301 – $250,525 | 32% |
| $250,526 – $626,350 | 35% |
| $626,351 and above | 37% |
Understanding Pay Frequency and Its Impact
The schedule on which you receive your salary directly affects the size of each paycheck and when deductions are applied. Employers select a pay frequency based on state regulations, operational costs, and workforce preferences:
paychecks per year
paychecks per year
paychecks per year
paychecks per year
Bi-weekly schedules are the most common in the U.S., but some months will include three pay periods instead of two, which can affect budgeting. Semi-monthly schedules always produce exactly two paychecks per month, making rent and mortgage planning simpler.
State and Local Tax Considerations
State-level taxes can substantially alter your take-home pay. While nine states do not impose an income tax on wages, others use either a flat rate or a progressive bracket system similar to the federal model. Rates range from roughly 1% in states like Pennsylvania (flat) up to over 13% in the highest bracket of California's progressive system.
In addition to state income tax, some municipalities levy city or county taxes. Notable examples include New York City's local income tax and certain Ohio cities that impose payroll-based levies. Employees who live in one state but work in another may face multi-state withholding rules, so it's advisable to consult a tax professional if your situation crosses state lines.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paychecks & Pay Stubs
How accurate is this pay stub calculator?
This calculator delivers a close estimate of your take-home pay using standard federal tax brackets and FICA rates (6.2% Social Security, 1.45% Medicare). For exact figures, adjust the percentages to match your specific bracket and consult a certified public accountant or enrolled agent. The tool does not automatically factor in state-specific rules, local taxes, or pre-tax benefit elections.
Are the generated pay stubs legally valid documents?
No. The pay stubs produced by this tool are intended for educational and personal planning purposes only. They are not official payroll records and should never be submitted as proof of income for loan applications, rental agreements, or legal proceedings. Official pay stubs must be issued by an employer or a licensed payroll provider in accordance with federal and state labor laws.
How is overtime pay calculated?
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), non-exempt employees must receive at least 1.5 times their regular hourly rate for every hour worked beyond 40 in a workweek. Some states, like California, also mandate daily overtime after 8 hours. In this calculator, enter your base rate and regular hours, then list overtime hours separately. The default multiplier is 1.5x but can be adjusted for double-time or other arrangements.
What is the difference between gross pay and net pay?
Gross pay is the total amount you earn before any deductions. It encompasses your base salary or hourly wages, overtime, bonuses, and commissions. Net pay is the amount you actually receive after federal, state, and local taxes, FICA contributions, benefit premiums, retirement contributions, and any garnishments have been subtracted. This calculator displays both figures alongside a detailed deduction breakdown.
Is a pay stub the same as a paycheck?
Not exactly. A paycheck is the financial instrument (paper check or electronic transfer) that moves money from the employer to the employee. A pay stub is the accompanying document that itemizes how the payment was calculated, including hours worked, gross earnings, individual deductions, and net pay. Most states require employers to provide a pay stub alongside each payment.
What should I do if my paycheck is incorrect or late?
Start by reviewing your pay stub for errors in hours, rate, or deductions. If something looks off, contact your employer's HR or payroll department immediately. Honest clerical mistakes are usually corrected on the next pay cycle. If the issue persists or you suspect willful non-payment, you may file a wage claim with your state's Department of Labor or the federal Wage and Hour Division.
How long should I keep my pay stubs?
Financial advisors generally recommend retaining pay stubs for at least one year to cross-reference against your W-2 at tax time. If you are applying for a mortgage or other large loan, lenders may request three to six months of recent stubs. Once you have verified your annual W-2 is accurate, older stubs can be securely discarded.
How do I calculate the tax percentage taken from my paycheck?
Add up all tax-related withholdings for the pay period (federal income tax, state income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and any local taxes). Divide that total by your gross pay and multiply by 100 to get the effective tax rate for that paycheck. Keep in mind that this percentage can fluctuate between periods due to bonus payments, overtime, or changes in your W-4 elections.