FinanceReviewed Methodology
Paycheck Calculator
How much of your paycheck do you actually take home? This paycheck calculator estimates your 2026 gross and net pay from hourly rate, regular hours, overtime, and an estimated combined tax rate.
Quick answer
Regular pay is hourly rate times regular hours.
What this tells you
- •Regular pay is hourly rate times regular hours.
- •Overtime pay applies overtime multiplier.
- •Net pay is gross pay minus estimated taxes.
How to Use
- 1Enter hourly rate and regular hours worked.
- 2Enter overtime hours and multiplier if applicable.
- 3Enter estimated tax rate.
- 4Calculate for gross and net pay breakdown.
How It Works
Formula
Gross = (Rate x Regular Hours) + (Rate x Overtime Multiplier x Overtime Hours)
Tax = Gross x Tax Rate
Net = Gross - TaxThe calculator combines regular and overtime earnings, then applies an estimated tax deduction.
Calculation note: values are processed in the order shown above, using the current input units.
Worked Examples
Weekly paycheck with overtime
Rate$25
Hours40
Overtime5
Multiplier1.5
Tax20%
Result$950.00 net pay
Common mistakes
- Entering tax as decimal instead of percent
- Using wrong overtime multiplier
- Ignoring pre-tax deductions not modeled here
Limitations
This paycheck estimate uses a simplified tax-rate model and does not include jurisdiction-specific withholding rules, benefits, retirement deductions, or payroll adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most U.S. workers lose about 20-30% of gross pay to taxes. Social Security and Medicare (FICA) take a flat 7.65%, federal income tax commonly adds 10-22% depending on your bracket, and state income tax adds anywhere from 0% to around 10% depending on where you live.
Multiply your hourly rate by hours worked to get gross pay, then subtract your combined tax rate. For example, $25 per hour for 40 hours is $1,000 gross. At a 22% combined tax rate, take-home pay is about $780 for the week.
No. It is an estimate and does not replace payroll software or local tax rules. Withholding also varies with your W-4 settings, filing status, and pre-tax benefits.
Yes. The default is 1.5 (time and a half), and you can change it for double-time or other rates.
No. Only a simple tax-rate deduction is modeled. Health insurance premiums, 401(k) contributions, and other pre-tax deductions would change your actual net pay.
It estimates paycheck calculator outputs using the visible inputs and formula assumptions on this page.