Payroll Tax Estimator (USA)
Quickly estimate basic payroll taxes on your paycheck, including Social Security and Medicare, and see your net pay with a simple visual breakdown.
Enter Your Gross Pay
This tool uses standard U.S. payroll tax rates for Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) for quick estimates. It does not include federal or state income tax.
Tax Breakdown & Net Pay
Visual Payroll Breakdown
This bar shows how much of your gross pay goes to Social Security, Medicare, and how much you take home as net pay.
How to Use This Payroll Tax Calculator
- Enter your gross pay (before any taxes are taken out).
- Click “Estimate Taxes”.
- See the estimated Social Security, Medicare, total tax, and net pay.
- View the visual bar to understand what portion of your gross pay goes to payroll taxes.
What Are Payroll Taxes in the USA?
Payroll taxes are taxes your employer withholds from your paycheck and sends to the government. In the United States, two major federal payroll taxes are:
- Social Security tax – usually 6.2% of your gross wages (up to an annual wage limit).
- Medicare tax – usually 1.45% of your gross wages.
This simple payroll tax estimator focuses on these two federal payroll taxes only. It does not include federal income tax, state tax, or other deductions.
Payroll Tax Formula Used
For a single paycheck, this calculator uses:
- Social Security = Gross Pay × 6.2%
- Medicare = Gross Pay × 1.45%
- Total Payroll Tax = Social Security + Medicare
- Net Pay = Gross Pay − Total Payroll Tax
Example
If your gross pay is $3,000:
- Social Security: $3,000 × 0.062 = $186.00
- Medicare: $3,000 × 0.0145 = $43.50
- Total Payroll Tax: $229.50
- Net Pay: $3,000 − $229.50 = $2,770.50
Important Notes & Limitations
This payroll tax calculator is a simplified tool for quick estimates. It does not:
- Apply the annual Social Security wage base limit.
- Include additional Medicare surtax for high earners.
- Calculate federal or state income tax.
- Account for pre-tax deductions (401(k), health insurance, etc.).
For detailed tax planning or official guidance, consult a tax professional or use official IRS resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this calculator include federal income tax?
No. This tool only estimates Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes. Federal income tax, state tax, and other deductions are not included.
Can I use this for my exact paycheck amount?
You can use it for a rough estimate based on your gross pay, but actual paycheck amounts may differ due to other deductions and specific employer settings.
Is this payroll tax calculator only for USA employees?
Yes. The rates and formulas used here are specific to U.S. Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes.