Paycheck Calculator
Federal withholding (15%): $375.00
State withholding (5%): $125.00
Annual net (approx): $52000.00
Direct answer: Net pay = gross pay minus withholding. A $65,000 salary paid biweekly gives a gross of $2,500 per paycheck; at 15% federal and 5% state withholding, net pay is $2,000.00.
Paycheck formulas
Gross pay per paycheck = annual salary ÷ paychecks per year. Federal withholding = gross × federal rate ÷ 100. State withholding = gross × state rate ÷ 100. Net pay = gross − federal withholding − state withholding. Annual net ≈ net pay × paychecks per year. Every figure is withholding-only, as labeled above the result.
Worked examples
Example 1: $65,000, biweekly, 15% federal, 5% state. Gross $2,500.00, federal $375.00, state $125.00, net $2,000.00.
Example 2: $48,000, monthly, 15% federal, 5% state. Gross $4,000.00, federal $600.00, state $200.00, net $3,200.00.
Example 3: $65,000, weekly, 15% federal, 5% state. Gross $1,250.00, federal $187.50, state $62.50, net $1,000.00 per week.
What this calculator does — and does not — include
It covers the two withholding rates you enter. Real paychecks also deduct FICA (Social Security and Medicare), 7.65% for most employees, plus retirement contributions, health insurance premiums, and other deductions. Your actual net pay will therefore usually be lower than this estimate — use it for planning, then compare with a real pay stub.
Frequently asked questions
How is net pay calculated?
Divide annual salary by the number of paychecks to get gross pay, then subtract federal and state withholding. For example, $65,000 ÷ 26 = $2,500 gross per biweekly paycheck. With 15% federal and 5% state withholding, $500 is withheld and net pay is $2,000.
What is the net pay on $65,000 biweekly?
Gross $2,500.00; with 15% federal and 5% state withholding, net $2,000.00 per paycheck. The federal portion is $375.00 and the state portion is $125.00. These are withholding-only figures, as the label above the result notes.
How many paychecks are there in a year?
Weekly: 52, biweekly: 26, semi-monthly: 24, monthly: 12. Biweekly is the most common schedule for salaried employees in the US. Your per-paycheck gross is simply your annual salary divided by the number for your schedule.
Why is my real paycheck lower?
FICA taxes, retirement, and insurance premiums are not included here — see the note above. This calculator applies only the two withholding rates you enter. Compare the estimate with a real pay stub to see your full deductions.
What is the difference between gross and net pay?
Gross is pay before deductions; net (take-home) is what actually lands in your account. Here, net means gross minus the federal and state withholding you entered. Real take-home pay is usually lower because of additional deductions.
Can I use this for hourly pay?
Convert hourly pay to an annual salary first (hourly rate × hours per week × 52), then enter it here. For example, $30/hour × 40 hours × 52 = $62,400 per year. Then choose your pay frequency to get per-paycheck figures.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for planning only and is not tax or financial advice. Actual pay depends on your employer, tax situation, and deductions.
Sources & review
Figures on this page were checked against IRS guidance (irs.gov). Withholding is an estimate and may not match your final tax liability. For an official estimate, see the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator. Reviewed by the Average Calculator Team. Last reviewed: 1 November 2026. This calculator gives planning estimates only and is not tax advice.
Last updated: November 1, 2026.