What this calculator does
Toggle between Net → Gross and Gross → Net without leaving the page. Both directions use the same federal, FICA, and state model.
- Net → Gross — enter the deposit you want and solve for annual (and per-period) gross wages.
- Gross → Net — enter gross pay for a period and see estimated take-home after taxes and optional benefits.
- Same tax engine as the W-2 paycheck calculator — all 50 states and D.C.
How to read your results
In Net → Gross mode, the headline is estimated annual gross wages. In Gross → Net mode, the headline is take-home per pay period. The breakdown always shows federal, FICA, state, and pre-tax amounts.
Adding a 401(k) percentage lowers take-home for a given salary, and raises the gross required to hit a fixed take-home target.
When to use each direction
Net → Gross when you negotiate from a budget — housing and savings targets first, salary second.
Gross → Net when you already have an offer or raise and want a quick after-tax read (for deeper benefit modeling, use the full W-2 calculator).
Compare states in either mode — the same cash goal or offer can look very different across state tax systems.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about converting between net pay and gross salary.
How does the net ↔ gross calculator work?
Choose a direction. Net → Gross starts from the take-home pay you want and solves for the W-2 gross salary required. Gross → Net starts from gross pay and estimates take-home after federal income tax, FICA, state tax, optional city/county local tax, and optional pre-tax benefits. Both modes use the same tax engine as the W-2 paycheck calculator.
Is this the same as the W-2 calculator?
It uses the identical tax and benefit engine. The W-2 calculator is optimized for full paycheck modeling (including more benefits). This tool focuses on quick conversions between net and gross in either direction.
Why do 401(k) contributions change the answer?
Traditional 401(k) deferrals come out of your paycheck before take-home pay. In Net → Gross mode they raise the salary you need for the same deposit. In Gross → Net mode they lower take-home for a given salary.
Does state of residence change the answer?
Yes. Hitting the same take-home in a high-tax state usually requires a higher gross than in a state with no wage income tax, because more of each dollar goes to state withholding.
Can I use this for 1099 / contractor income?
This calculator models W-2 employee wages. For self-employment income, use the 1099 calculator, which includes self-employment tax and different deduction rules.
Disclaimer
This tool is for education and planning. It is not tax, legal, or financial advice. Actual offers and paystubs can include bonuses and W-4 elections this model does not capture. Use the city/county selector for local wage taxes where available. Review the published rates and sources, or model a fuller paycheck with the W-2 calculator. Explore more tools on the MyAfterTax calculator hub.