Take-Home Paycheck Calculator
Estimate your net pay after federal taxes and FICA
Weekly
Bi-weekly (Every 2 weeks)
Semi-monthly (Twice a month)
Monthly
Single
Married Filing Jointly
Head of Household
Gross Pay:
$0.00
Pre-tax Deductions:
-$0.00
Social Security (6.2%):
-$0.00
Medicare (1.45%):
-$0.00
Estimated Federal Income Tax:
-$0.00
Estimated Take-Home Pay:
$0.00
How to Calculate Your ADP Paycheck
Understanding your paycheck involves more than just looking at your hourly rate or annual salary. To find your actual take-home pay, you must account for various withholdings and deductions that occur before the money reaches your bank account.
The Anatomy of Payroll Deductions
- Gross Pay: This is the total amount earned before any taxes or deductions. If you are salaried, it's your annual salary divided by your pay periods. If hourly, it's your hours worked multiplied by your rate.
- FICA Taxes: The Federal Insurance Contributions Act requires two main withholdings: Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%). These are mandatory for most employees.
- Federal Income Tax: This is calculated based on your filing status and income brackets. The U.S. uses a progressive tax system, meaning higher portions of your income are taxed at higher rates.
- Pre-tax Deductions: Contributions to a 401(k), 403(b), or Health Savings Account (HSA) are usually taken out before taxes are calculated, which reduces your overall taxable income.
Example Calculation
If you earn $2,500 bi-weekly as a single filer and contribute $100 to a 401(k):
- Taxable Gross = $2,500 – $100 = $2,400.
- FICA Taxes = $2,500 * 7.65% = $191.25.
- Federal Withholding = Estimated based on the IRS tax tables for a $62,400 annual taxable income.
- Net Pay = $2,500 – $100 – $191.25 – Federal Tax.
Why Net Pay Varies
Your net pay may change if you update your W-4 form, change your insurance plan, or if your state changes its local income tax rates. Using an ADP-style paycheck calculator helps you plan your monthly budget and ensure you are withholding the correct amount of tax to avoid a large bill at the end of the year.