Paycheck Calculator
Convert annual salary to per-paycheck gross and net across weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, and monthly frequencies with tax, 401k, and deduction breakdowns.
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What is Paycheck Calculator?
Paycheck Calculator converts an annual salary into a per-paycheck breakdown: gross by pay frequency, pre-tax 401k and health deductions, federal, state, and FICA withholding, post-tax deductions, and the take-home net - every line visible, computed instantly in your browser.
Key Benefits
- Translate annual offers into real per-check take-home numbers
- See how 401k contributions lower taxable income, not just pay
- Compare the cash-flow rhythm of biweekly versus monthly pay
- Editable rates match your actual withholding situation
- Fully private - salary figures stay on your device
Common Use Cases
- •Comparing job offers quoted in annual salaries
- •Budgeting around a biweekly or semimonthly pay rhythm
- •Deciding a 401k contribution percentage before open enrollment
- •Estimating the paycheck effect of moving to a new state
How to Calculate Take-Home Pay
- Enter salary and frequency: Type the annual salary and pick how often you are paid - gross per check appears instantly.
- Set rates and deductions: Add your federal, state, and FICA rates plus 401k percentage, health, and post-tax deductions.
- Read the breakdown: Review every line from gross to net, and adjust the 401k rate to see its tax-shelter effect.
Key Features
- Four pay frequencies: weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, and monthly
- Separate federal, state, and FICA rates summed into withholding
- Pre-tax 401k percentage and per-check health deduction before taxes
- Post-tax deduction line applied after every withholding
- Full gross-to-net breakdown with each line item visible
- Editable rates everywhere - matches your real withholding setup
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pay periods are in each frequency?
Weekly pays 52 checks a year, biweekly 26, semimonthly 24, and monthly 12. The gross per check is simply the salary divided by those periods.
Why are 401k and health deducted before taxes?
Traditional 401k contributions and most employer health premiums are pre-tax: they reduce the taxable amount, so withholding is computed on the smaller remainder.
Why does my real paycheck differ slightly?
Real withholding uses tax brackets, W-4 allowances, and employer-specific rules. This tool uses flat rates you enter, which is ideal for planning and comparisons.
Is my salary information sent anywhere?
No. Everything is computed locally in your browser - salary figures never leave your device.