How to Calculate Gross Pay vs Net Pay on a Paystub [2026 Guide]

Ever wonder why your paycheck is so much less than you expected? This guide breaks down exactly how your gross pay becomes your net pay, with a real calculation example.

The Formula Gross Pay − Deductions = Net Pay

Gross pay is your total earnings. Net pay is what you take home after taxes, insurance, retirement, and other deductions. The gap can be 25-40% or more of your gross pay.

Gross Pay vs Net Pay: Definitions

Gross Pay

Your total earnings before anything is taken out.

• Hourly: Hours × Rate
• Salary: Annual ÷ Pay Periods

Net Pay

What you actually receive (take-home pay).

• Gross − Pre-tax − Taxes − Post-tax = Net Pay

Types of Deductions

Understanding where your money goes is the first step to mastering your paycheck. Deductions fall into three main categories:

• Pre-Tax Deductions (Impact: Reduce taxable income)

  • 401(k) contributions
  • Traditional IRA
  • Health insurance premiums
  • HSA/FSA contributions
  • Commuter benefits

• Mandatory Deductions (Impact: Required by law)

  • Federal income tax
  • State income tax
  • Social Security (6.2%)
  • Medicare (1.45%)
  • Local taxes

• Post-Tax Deductions (Impact: Taken after taxes)

  • Roth 401(k)
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Garnishments
  • Union dues

Step-by-Step Calculation

Here is exactly how your employer calculates your final take-home pay:

1. Start with Gross Pay: Hours worked × hourly rate (or salary ÷ pay periods)
   • Example: 80 hours × $25/hr = $2,000
2. Subtract Pre-Tax Deductions: 401(k), health insurance, HSA
   • Example: $2,000 - $150 (401k) - $100 (insurance) = $1,750 taxable
3. Calculate Federal Tax: Based on W-4 and tax brackets
   • Example: $1,750 × estimated rate = ~$175
4. Calculate State Tax: Varies by state (0% to 13%+)
   • Example: $1,750 × 5% = $87.50
5. Calculate FICA: Social Security (6.2%) + Medicare (1.45%)
   • Example: $2,000 × 7.65% = $153
6. Subtract Post-Tax Deductions: Roth 401k, garnishments, etc.
   • Example: -$50 Roth 401k
7. Result: Net Pay: What you actually receive
   • Example: $2,000 - $565.50 = $1,434.50

Real Example: Bi-Weekly Paycheck

Let's look at a real-world example of a bi-weekly paycheck to see how these numbers play out.

Gross Pay: $4,000.00

Pre-Tax Deductions

• 401(k) - 6%: -$240.00
• Health Insurance: -$175.00
• HSA: -$50.00
• Taxable Income: $3,535.00

Taxes

• Federal Income Tax: -$352.00
• State Income Tax: -$178.00
• Social Security (6.2%): -$248.00
• Medicare (1.45%): -$58.00

Post-Tax Deductions

• Roth 401(k) - 2%: -$80.00
• Life Insurance: -$15.00

Deduction Summary

• Total Pre-Tax Deductions: -$465.00
• Total Taxes: -$836.00
• Total Post-Tax Deductions: -$95.00
• Total Deductions: -$1,396.00

Net Pay (Take Home): $2,604.00

Note: In this example, the employee keeps 65.1% of their gross pay, while 34.9% goes to deductions and taxes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is gross pay?

Gross pay is your total earnings before any deductions. For hourly workers, it's hours worked times hourly rate. For salaried employees, it's your annual salary divided by the number of pay periods. Gross pay is what you'd earn if nothing was taken out.

What is net pay?

Net pay (also called 'take-home pay') is what you actually receive after all deductions—taxes, insurance, retirement contributions, etc. It's the amount deposited to your bank account or shown on your paycheck.

Why is my net pay so much lower than my gross pay?

The difference is due to: (1) Federal and state income taxes, (2) Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) taxes, (3) Health insurance premiums, (4) Retirement contributions, and (5) Other deductions. Combined, these can reduce your pay by 25-40% or more.

How do I calculate my net pay from gross?

Gross pay minus all deductions equals net pay. Start with gross, subtract pre-tax deductions (401k, insurance), calculate taxes on the remaining amount, subtract mandatory taxes (federal, state, FICA), then subtract post-tax deductions (Roth 401k, garnishments).

Do pre-tax deductions reduce my taxes?

Yes. Pre-tax deductions (traditional 401k, health insurance, HSA) reduce your taxable income. If you contribute $500 pre-tax, you're taxed on $500 less income. This saves you money in the short term, though you'll pay taxes when you withdraw retirement funds.

What's the difference between pre-tax and post-tax deductions?

Pre-tax deductions are taken out before taxes are calculated, reducing your taxable income (traditional 401k, health insurance). Post-tax deductions are taken after taxes (Roth 401k, some insurance). With post-tax, you pay taxes now but not later (like Roth retirement accounts).

What percentage of my paycheck goes to taxes?

It varies based on income and location. Federal income tax: 10-37% (marginal rate). State tax: 0-13%+ depending on state. FICA (Social Security + Medicare): 7.65% flat. Total often ranges from 20-40%+ of gross pay.

How can I increase my net pay?

Options include: (1) Contribute more to pre-tax accounts to lower taxes now, (2) Adjust W-4 if you're over-withholding (getting large refunds), (3) Review insurance options during open enrollment, (4) Check if you qualify for tax credits. Don't stop retirement contributions just to increase take-home pay.

Understand Your Paycheck

Now you know how gross becomes net. Create professional pay stubs that clearly show all calculations or estimate your next paycheck.

• Create Pay Stubs
• Paycheck Calculator

Related Resources

• Create Pay Stubs - Generate professional pay stubs.
• Paycheck Calculator - Calculate your take-home pay.
• Paystub Deductions Explained - Understand every deduction.
• Pay Stub vs Paycheck - The terminology explained.
• How to Read a Paystub - Complete paystub guide.
• Paystub Codes Explained - Decode abbreviations.