What this withholding calculator uses
It applies the same method as your employer’s payroll: your pay is annualized, the standard deduction in the IRS tables is subtracted, the 2026 brackets are applied, and your Step 3 credits and any Step 4(c) extra amount are added in. The result is federal income tax only, before Social Security, Medicare and state tax. For the full W-4 with every line filled in, use the W-4 calculator.
Related tools and guides
- Paycheck calculator: take-home pay after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare.
- Federal income tax calculator: your full-year tax and estimated refund.
- State withholding calculators: federal plus state side by side.
- How tax withholding works and how much to withhold.
- Step 4(c) extra withholding if you want more taken out.
Frequently asked questions
What does a withholding calculator do?
It estimates how much federal income tax your employer takes from each paycheck based on your pay, filing status and W-4 choices, using the IRS withholding tables. It also shows what changes if you adjust your W-4.
How is federal withholding calculated?
Your employer converts your pay to an annual amount, subtracts the standard deduction built into the IRS tables, applies the tax brackets, subtracts the credits you entered in Step 3, adds anything from Step 4, and divides by your paychecks. See how tax withholding works for the full picture.
How much should I have withheld?
Enough to cover at least 90% of this year’s tax or 100% of last year’s (110% if last year’s income was over $150,000). Anything extra comes back as a refund. See how much federal tax should be withheld.
Does this include Social Security, Medicare or state tax?
No. This shows federal income tax only. The paycheck calculator adds Social Security and Medicare, and the state calculators add state withholding.
How do I change how much is withheld?
Give your employer a new W-4. Use Step 4(c) to add a flat dollar amount per paycheck, Step 2 if you have another job or a working spouse, and Step 3 for dependents.