How to use
- Enter your hourly rate and the regular, overtime and double-time hours in the pay period, then pick how often you are paid.
- Turn on tax estimates, choose your filing status and state, and fill in any W-4 adjustments or pre-tax deductions.
- Read gross, each withholding line and net pay. The projection table shows the same check at other pay frequencies.
Worked example: $25 an hour, 40 hours, paid weekly in Texas
Gross pay is 40 × $25.00 = $1,000.00. Annualized that is $52,000; after the 2026 single standard deduction of $16,100 the taxable amount is $35,900. Federal tax on that is $1,240 on the first $12,400 plus 12% of the remaining $23,500, $4,060 a year, or $78.08 per weekly check.
Social Security is 6.2% ($62.00) and Medicare 1.45% ($14.50). Texas has no income tax. Net pay is $1,000.00 − $78.08 − $62.00 − $14.50 = $845.42, an effective rate of 15.5%.
Frequently asked questions
How is federal withholding estimated?
With the IRS Publication 15-T percentage method on annualized wages: wages per period times periods per year, minus the standard deduction for your filing status, taxed through the 2026 brackets, minus dependents credit, divided back into periods, plus any extra withholding.
What does the two-jobs checkbox do?
It mirrors W-4 Step 2(c): half the standard deduction and halved brackets so each job withholds more. Use it if you hold two jobs or your spouse also works.
Why is Social Security capped?
Social Security tax stops once year-to-date wages reach $184,500 in 2026. Enter your year-to-date gross so the calculator stops withholding at the cap.
What is the additional Medicare tax?
An extra 0.9% is withheld on wages above $200,000 in a year regardless of filing status.
Are pre-tax deductions handled?
Yes. 401(k), health premiums and similar amounts reduce taxable wages for federal, state and FICA in this estimate.
Does it include local taxes?
No. City and county income taxes such as New York City, Maryland counties or Ohio municipalities are not included.
How accurate is the state estimate?
It applies the state standard deduction and brackets or flat rate from the 2026 tables. States have credits and exemptions that are not modelled, so treat it as an estimate.
Is this a pay stub?
Print gives a pay-stub style summary labelled as an estimate for planning. It is not an official payroll document.