Tax Withholding Calculator
Check your federal income tax withholding per pay period with the official IRS percentage method — the first step to avoiding a big bill or refund.
$2,500.00 biweekly (single, W-4 standard) withholds about $216.15 in federal income tax per check.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter your gross pay for one period.
- Choose your pay frequency.
- Pick your W-4 filing status and see the federal amount withheld per period.
The Formula
Annualize gross pay, subtract the 2026 standard deduction, apply the progressive brackets, and divide by the number of periods (Pub 15-T percentage method).
AnnualizeGross × periodsDeductStandard deduction 2026DivideTax ÷ periodsWorked Example
A $2,500.00 biweekly paycheck (single, standard W-4) annualizes to $65,000.00. After the deduction and brackets, federal withholding is about $216.15 per check.
Quick Tips
- Compare this to your actual withholding: a large refund means you're over-withholding.
- Update your W-4 after life changes (marriage, kids, second job).
- Step 2 on the W-4 (multiple jobs) increases withholding — not modeled here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is federal withholding calculated?
Employers use the Pub 15-T percentage method: annualize wages, apply the standard deduction and brackets, then divide by pay periods.
Why is my withholding different from this estimate?
Your W-4 may include Step 2/3/4 adjustments (multiple jobs, dependents, extra withholding) that change the result.
Should I adjust my W-4?
If your refund or balance due is large, updating your W-4 to match your situation is usually worthwhile.