$3,462 gross per 2 weeks
$5,400/yr pre-tax
Health/dental premiums, FSA, HSA (annual)
0% for TX, FL, WA, etc.
This Take-Home Paycheck Calculator turns your annual salary into the number that actually matters: what lands in your bank account each pay period. It subtracts pre-tax deductions, federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and state income tax.
Adjust your 401(k) percentage, other pre-tax benefits, filing status, state rate, and pay frequency to see how each one changes your net paycheck — useful for budgeting, negotiating an offer, or deciding how much to contribute to retirement.
Net per check = (Salary − Federal − FICA − State − Pre-tax) ÷ Pay periodsPre-tax deductions lower both your taxable income and your cash in hand; FICA is still charged on gross wages.
Example: $90,000 single, 6% 401(k), 5% state, biweekly
Pre-tax = $5,400 (401k) + $2,400 benefits. Gross biweekly ≈ $3,461.
After federal, Social Security, Medicare, and state tax, net take-home is roughly $2,450–$2,600 per biweekly check.
Example: raising 401(k) from 6% to 12%
Same $90,000 salary, doubling the pre-tax retirement contribution.
Your paycheck drops by less than the full contribution, because the higher pre-tax amount also lowers your income tax — the 'tax shield' of a traditional 401(k).
Methodology
Federal tax uses current IRS brackets and the standard deduction. Social Security 6.2% (capped at the wage base), Medicare 1.45% + 0.9% surtax above $200k. Pre-tax 401(k) and benefits reduce taxable income. Net cash = salary − taxes − pre-tax deductions, divided by pay periods. Withholding allowances are not modeled.
Gross salary minus pre-tax deductions (401k, health premiums), then federal income tax, Social Security (6.2% up to the wage base), Medicare (1.45% + 0.9% above $200k), and state tax. The result is divided by your number of pay periods.
Gross is total earnings before deductions (the offer-letter figure). Net (take-home) is what hits your account after taxes and deductions — often 25-35% less.
Traditional 401(k) is pre-tax, lowering income tax but not Social Security/Medicare (those use gross wages). Roth 401(k) is after-tax and doesn't reduce current taxes.
Taxes and deductions are withheld first. A $90,000 salary grosses ~$3,461 biweekly but may take home closer to $2,500 after withholding.
Disclaimer: Calculations are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional financial advice. Please consult with a certified professional before making financial decisions.