PaystubFreeNo signupEstimates only
Turn a few paycheck numbers into a labeled stub: pre-tax vs post-tax, taxable wages, FICA, YTD, and the employer match you do not see deposited.
Estimates only — not tax, payroll, or financial advice. This is a simplified educational calculator (2026-ish federal brackets + standard deduction, employee FICA, optional flat state tax). It is not IRS Publication 15-T withholding, a substitute for your W-4, or a tax return. Real paystubs vary with credits, benefits, local taxes, additional Medicare tax, and your employer’s payroll system. Confirm numbers with a qualified tax or payroll professional.
Paystub Decoder is a free online calculator on PaystubKit, the paycheck tools hub from One More Turn Ventures LLC (OMTV). Turn a few paycheck numbers into a labeled stub: pre-tax vs post-tax, taxable wages, FICA, YTD, and the employer match you do not see deposited.
What it does: Enter this check’s gross and optional deductions. We build a simplified stub, estimate federal/FICA/state with the shared engine, and define the usual line items in a glossary.
When to use it: Use it when a stub looks cryptic — or when you want to see employer FICA sitting next to your employee Social Security and Medicare lines.
Part of the PaystubKit tools collection. Calculations run locally in your browser.
Pre-tax deductions (traditional 401(k), many health premiums, HSA) usually come out before federal income tax. Post-tax deductions (Roth 401(k), garnishments, some benefits) come out after tax is computed. Both reduce the amount deposited.
Often box-like federal taxable wages ≈ gross − pre-tax deductions. Social Security and Medicare wages can differ (401(k) is still FICA-taxable). This decoder shows that split.
Employers generally match 6.2% Social Security (up to the wage base) and 1.45% Medicare. That cost is not taken from your net pay; it is a payroll tax on the employer.
If you enter YTD gross we add this check on top for a simple roll-forward. We do not reconstruct every prior stub.
No. Educational estimates only — not tax, payroll, or financial advice. Real stubs use your employer’s codes and tax engine.