Our calculation principles
NetPayKit aims to make planning estimates understandable and reproducible. We label the calculation year, separate gross pay from individual deductions, use documented federal sources, and state what is excluded. Calculator outputs are rounded for display, while intermediate calculations retain additional precision.
2026 paycheck and salary estimates
Gross pay is annualized from the selected payroll frequency. Federal income tax withholding is estimated using 2026 federal percentage method concepts and the Form W-4 inputs supported by the calculator. The annual estimate is converted back to the selected pay period.
Employee FICA is calculated separately. Social Security is generally 6.2% of covered wages up to the 2026 annual wage base of $184,500. Medicare is generally 1.45% of covered wages without a wage-base cap. Additional Medicare withholding is considered where the calculator supports wages above the employer withholding threshold.
Pay conversions
- Hourly to annual pay: hourly rate × weekly hours × weeks worked.
- Salary to hourly pay: annual salary ÷ (weekly hours × weeks worked).
- Common frequencies use 52 weekly, 26 biweekly, 24 semimonthly, and 12 monthly periods unless a calculator states otherwise.
Overtime estimates
The basic overtime tool multiplies the regular rate by the selected overtime multiplier and overtime hours. A 1.5 multiplier represents time-and-a-half. The legal regular rate can include other forms of compensation, and overtime eligibility depends on federal and state law, so the tool does not determine legal entitlement.
Federal-only boundary
NetPayKit does not currently calculate state income tax, local tax, state disability or paid-leave programs, employer benefits, retirement contributions, garnishments, union dues, or every employer-specific payroll adjustment. It also does not prepare a tax return or replace an official pay stub.
Verification and corrections
We compare published constants with primary federal references and test representative inputs, boundaries, and rounding. See the source register and updates. If an estimate affects a filing, payroll, offer, or legal decision, verify it with the relevant agency or qualified professional.