Business & Work

Paycheck Calculator

Estimate 2026 U.S. take-home pay using IRS federal withholding percentage tables, Social Security, Medicare and an optional state/local tax rate.

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How to use this paycheck calculator

Enter the requested values above and select Calculate. Change any input to compare scenarios.

Formula and method

Federal withholding follows the 2026 IRS Publication 15-T automated percentage method for a 2020-or-later Form W-4. FICA uses 6.2% Social Security up to the 2026 wage base and 1.45% Medicare, plus Additional Medicare withholding when applicable.

Example

Enter taxable wages for the pay period, pay frequency and W-4 entries to estimate federal withholding, FICA, optional state/local withholding and net pay.

Important assumptions

This is an estimate, not payroll or tax advice. It does not implement every special payroll rule, benefit treatment, local tax, exemption or credit. Verify payroll results against current IRS and state guidance.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Paycheck Calculator calculate?

Estimate 2026 U.S. take-home pay using IRS federal withholding percentage tables, Social Security, Medicare and an optional state/local tax rate.

How does the calculation work?

Federal withholding follows the 2026 IRS Publication 15-T automated percentage method for a 2020-or-later Form W-4. FICA uses 6.2% Social Security up to the 2026 wage base and 1.45% Medicare, plus Additional Medicare withholding when applicable.

Is this calculator free?

Yes. ERICH Calculators is free to use and no account is required.

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Method, assumptions & corrections

See how formulas, sources and limitations are handled across ERICH Calculators.

2026 federal tax sources

The federal withholding estimate follows the 2026 IRS percentage-method tables in Publication 15-T. Social Security and Medicare payroll tax rates and limits follow IRS Publication 15. State and local income taxes vary, so this calculator accepts an optional user-entered combined rate rather than assuming a state.