How do I calculate gross income from net pay?

Gross income = Net pay ÷ (1 − tax rate). For example, if you received $850 after a 15% tax: $850 ÷ (1 − 0.15) = $850 ÷ 0.85 = $1,000 gross. The tax withheld was $1,000 − $850 = $150.

How do I calculate my effective tax rate?

Effective tax rate = Total tax paid ÷ Gross income × 100. This is different from your marginal rate (the rate on your last dollar earned). For example, someone in the 22% federal bracket typically has an effective federal rate of 12–16% because lower income brackets are taxed at lower rates.

Reverse Tax Calculator – Find Pre-Tax Amount from Net Pay

I know my take-home pay. What was my gross income?

Net Pay (Take-Home) ($)

Combined Tax Rate (%) Include federal + state + FICA if applicable.

Common Combined Rates

Reverse Tax Calculator FAQ

Common questions about gross vs. net income and tax calculations.

How do I find gross income from net pay?

Gross = Net ÷ (1 − tax rate). Example: take-home $850, combined 15% tax → $850 ÷ 0.85 = $1,000 gross. Tax withheld = $1,000 − $850 = $150. Use the "Net → Gross" tab above and enter your take-home amount and combined tax rate.

What is the difference between gross and net income?

Gross income is your total pay before any deductions. Net income (take-home pay) is what's left after federal tax, state tax, Social Security (6.2%), and Medicare (1.45%) are withheld. Other deductions like health insurance premiums or 401(k) contributions can also reduce net pay.

What percentage of my paycheck goes to taxes?

Most US workers pay 20–35% combined. FICA taxes alone are 7.65% (6.2% Social Security + 1.45% Medicare). Federal income tax depends on your bracket — 10% to 37%. State taxes add 0% (Texas, Florida) up to 13.3% (California). A $60,000/year earner in a median-tax state typically pays about 22–28% combined.

What states have no income tax?

Nine states have no general income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. If you live in one of these, set your state rate to 0% in the calculator. Note: New Hampshire taxes interest and dividend income; Washington taxes capital gains above $250,000.

What is effective tax rate vs. marginal rate?

Your marginal rate is the bracket your last dollar falls into (e.g., 22%). Your effective rate is your actual total tax ÷ gross income — always lower than your marginal rate because lower portions of income are taxed at lower brackets. Use the "Effective Rate" tab above to calculate yours from your actual gross and net income.