Paycheck Calculator
Find out how much of your salary actually makes it to your bank account. This paycheck calculator uses progressive tax brackets to estimate your take-home pay after income taxes and deductions.
Reviewed by the SparkCalc editorial team · May 2026
How We Calculate This
This calculator applies progressive income tax using four brackets. Income is divided into portions for each bracket, and each portion is taxed at its respective rate. Other taxes are applied as a flat rate on gross income.
Methodology last reviewed: May 2026. How SparkCalc works
Sources: U.S. IRS — Tax Withholding Estimator · U.S. Social Security Administration — FICA & SECA Tax Rates
Frequently Asked Questions
How do progressive tax brackets work?
You only pay the higher rate on income above each threshold, not on all your income. For example, if Bracket 2 starts at $15,000, only income above $15,000 is taxed at the Bracket 2 rate.
What is the effective tax rate?
The effective tax rate is the actual percentage of your total income paid in taxes. It's always lower than your top marginal bracket because only a portion of income is taxed at each rate.
What are pre-tax deductions?
Pre-tax deductions reduce your taxable income before taxes are calculated. Common examples include retirement contributions, health insurance premiums, and flexible spending accounts.
What should I include in Other Taxes?
Include social security, Medicare, state/local income taxes, and any other payroll taxes. In the US, social security and Medicare together are about 7.65% for employees.
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You might also find these calculators helpful: Hourly to Salary Calculator, and Retirement Calculator.
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This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes. Tax laws vary by country and region. Consult a tax professional for precise calculations.