Paycheck Calculator
Understand Your Take-Home Pay
Your salary isn't what you actually receive. Learn the difference between gross and net pay.
Gross Pay
Your total salary before any deductions
Deductions
Taxes, insurance, retirement contributions
Net Pay
What actually hits your bank account
Enhanced Paycheck Calculator
Get a detailed breakdown of your paycheck with federal tax brackets, state taxes, and deductions
Income & Tax Information
Pre-Tax Deductions
Recommended: 10-15% for retirement
AI Financial Q&A Assistant
What You'll Learn
Paycheck Basics:
- • Difference between gross and net pay
- • Common payroll deductions and their purposes
- • How tax withholdings work
- • Impact of pre-tax vs post-tax deductions
Financial Planning:
- • Budget based on actual take-home pay
- • Optimize tax withholdings
- • Maximize employer benefits
- • Plan for salary negotiations
Paycheck Optimization Tips
Max Out Pre-Tax Benefits
Contribute to 401k, HSA, and flexible spending accounts to reduce taxable income and save on taxes.
Review Your W-4
Adjust tax withholdings annually to avoid big refunds (you're lending money to the government interest-free).
Your Next Steps
1. Calculate Your Real Hourly Rate
Divide your annual take-home pay by total hours worked to see what you really earn per hour.
2. Review All Deductions
Look at your pay stub. Are you enrolled in all beneficial programs like employer 401k match?
3. Budget on Net Pay
Always base your budget on take-home pay, not gross salary. This prevents overspending.