1
Annualize your pay
Your pay-period amounts are converted to annual figures based on weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly payroll.
Free 2026 paycheck calculator
Know what your paycheck is really worth.
Estimate federal taxes, payroll taxes, state withholding, deductions, and take-home pay before payday arrives.
Instant
Results update as you type. Your information stays in your browser and is not submitted to Cash Canny.
Paycheck estimator
Estimate your 2026 take-home pay
Enter the details from one typical pay period. Cash Canny annualizes the amounts to estimate withholding, then converts the result back to your selected pay frequency.
Clear assumptions
How the paycheck calculator works
The estimate follows a straightforward three-step process so you can see what changes your take-home pay.
2
Estimate taxes
The calculator applies 2026 federal brackets, Social Security and Medicare rates, plus a simplified estimate for the selected state.
3
Return to one paycheck
Estimated annual taxes are divided by your number of pay periods and combined with your deductions to show take-home pay.
Understanding your paycheck estimate
Cash Canny estimates federal income tax using projected annual taxable wages, the selected filing status, 2026 standard deductions and tax brackets, and the W-4 adjustments you enter. Social Security is estimated at 6.2% of covered wages up to the 2026 wage base of $184,500. Medicare is estimated at 1.45%, with additional Medicare withholding applied to wages above $200,000.
Pre-tax deductions can reduce federal and state taxable income. This calculator assumes health insurance and the “other pre-tax deductions” field are also exempt from payroll taxes, while traditional 401(k) contributions remain subject to Social Security and Medicare. Actual payroll treatment depends on your employer's benefit plan.
State withholding is intentionally simplified because state forms, exemptions, local taxes, reciprocal agreements, disability programs, and special deductions vary widely. Use the result as a planning estimate and compare it with your pay stub or payroll department.
Important: This calculator provides an estimate for educational and budgeting purposes only. It is not tax, legal, accounting, or financial advice and does not guarantee your actual withholding, refund, or tax liability.
Common questions
Paycheck calculator FAQ
Does this calculator save my income information?
No. The calculations run in your browser. This page does not submit your entries to Cash Canny.
Why is my real paycheck different?
Payroll systems can include local taxes, employer-specific benefit treatment, garnishments, bonuses, year-to-date wage limits, and state withholding rules that a general estimator cannot fully reproduce.
Are 401(k) contributions free from all taxes?
Traditional 401(k) contributions generally reduce federal income-taxable wages but are still subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes. Roth 401(k) contributions are treated differently and are not modeled here.