Paycheck Calculator
Estimate your take-home pay per period after income tax, retirement contributions and other deductions.
Last updated · View algorithm, constants and default inputs (JSON)
About this calculator
This is a rough take-home estimate using one flat tax rate applied after the entered retirement contribution. Real withholding depends on tax rules, pay frequency, benefits and filing details; the result is not a tax calculation or payroll quote.
Worked example
calculated with the default values below
Gross pay per period 5,000 $ · Effective tax rate 22 % · Retirement contribution 5 % · Other deductions per period 100 $ Net pay 3,605.00 $ · Tax withheld 1,045.00 $ · Retirement contribution 250.00 $ · Total deductions 1,395.00 $
General background references
Disclaimer
These calculators give estimates for general information only. They are not financial, tax or investment advice and do not take your personal circumstances into account. Before borrowing, investing or filing, confirm the numbers with a qualified adviser in your jurisdiction.
Implementation source
This record describes the implementation used by this page. It is not independent validation. External references, when available, support only the stated formula or definition; estimates and custom rules retain their own assumptions.
Formula and variables
R = G p ÷ 100; tax = (G − R) t ÷ 100; net = G − R − tax − O
- G
- Gross pay
- p
- Retirement contribution (%)
- t
- Income tax rate (%)
- O
- Other deductions
Net pay = gross − retirement contribution − estimated flat tax on gross after retirement contribution − other deductions. This is a simplified estimate, not jurisdiction-specific withholding.
Frequently asked questions
Can net pay be negative in this estimate?
No. The calculator reports an input error when estimated taxes, retirement contributions, and other deductions exceed gross pay. Its single tax-rate input is only a simplified estimate and does not reproduce payroll withholding rules.
Why does the model subtract the retirement contribution before tax?
That is the calculation this tool models: it subtracts the entered retirement contribution, applies one flat tax rate to the remainder, then subtracts other deductions. Tax treatment depends on the plan and local rules; the tool does not determine whether a contribution is pre-tax or estimate actual payroll withholding.