Take-Home Pay Calculator
The gap between gross and net, itemised.
Work out Take-Home Pay. The gap between gross and net, itemised. Names the misconception directly.
Take-home per period
3,300.00
5,000.00 gross · 34.0% deducted
The gap between gross and net is larger than most people carry in their heads, and it widens with income because tax is progressive while the headline salary is not. The deduction rate row is usually the surprising one. Pension contributions are shown as a deduction because they reduce take-home pay, but they are not a cost in the way tax is — that money is still yours, and in most systems it is deducted before tax, so the true cost to take-home is less than the contribution rate suggests. The hourly equivalent uses net pay and contracted hours, which is the honest comparison between jobs. A higher salary with substantially longer hours can pay less per hour, and it rarely looks that way on the offer letter.
How the Take-Home Pay Calculator works
Take-home pay per period with every deduction itemised and the net hourly equivalent. The deduction rates are inputs, because they depend on jurisdiction, tax code and scheme in ways no calculator can infer.
Also known as: why is my take home pay so low · salary after tax calculator · net pay per month · hourly rate after deductions
Not financial advice. This calculator is for planning and illustration, not financial advice. Real products carry fees, taxes, and terms it does not model. Confirm figures with your lender or a qualified adviser before committing.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my take-home so much lower than my salary?
Income tax, social security and pension contributions together typically remove 25 to 40% of gross pay. The gap widens with income because tax is progressive while the headline salary is not.
Is a pension contribution really a deduction?
It reduces take-home pay, but it is not a cost the way tax is — that money is still yours. In most systems it comes out before tax, so the true cost to take-home is less than the contribution rate suggests.
What is the net hourly equivalent for?
Comparing jobs honestly. A higher salary with substantially longer hours can pay less per hour, and it never looks that way on the offer letter.
Why are the rates inputs?
Because they depend on your jurisdiction, tax code, pension scheme and student loan plan, and they change annually. Taking them from your own payslip gives a far better answer than any default.
How many pay periods are there in a year?
12 monthly, 26 fortnightly, 24 twice-monthly or 52 weekly. Fortnightly and twice-monthly are not the same, and the two-month difference catches people out on budgeting.
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