About PocketNum
PocketNum is a free online paycheck calculator for workers in the United States. It answers one common question — "How much of my paycheck do I actually keep?" — by estimating take-home (net) pay after federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, state income tax and an optional 401(k) contribution.
How the estimate is built
The calculator uses 2025 federal income tax brackets and standard deductions ($15,000 single, $30,000 married filing jointly, $22,500 head of household), the 2025 FICA rates (Social Security 6.2% on wages up to $176,100; Medicare 1.45%, plus 0.9% on wages above $200,000), and a simplified flat state tax rate for each state applied to gross wages. It runs entirely in your browser — the numbers you type never leave your device.
What it is — and is not
PocketNum is an educational estimating tool. State tax is a simplified flat-rate estimate; actual state tax varies by brackets, deductions and credits, and real paychecks also reflect local taxes, benefits and other withholding. Nothing on this site is tax, legal or financial advice. For decisions about your own taxes, consult a qualified tax professional or the IRS at irs.gov.