Guides
Understand Your Paycheck with Simple, Clear Guides
Learn how gross pay, net pay, and W-4 withholding affect your paycheck
estimate with easy-to-follow guides from Madison Paycheck.
Paycheck Basics
Learn the Basics Behind Your Paycheck Estimate
Start with these guides to better understand the information used in
paycheck calculations before estimating your take-home pay.
Understanding Pay
Gross Pay vs. Net Pay
Learn how gross earnings become estimated take-home pay and
understand the deductions and taxes that can affect every paycheck.
- Gross earnings
- Pre-tax deductions
- Federal, state, and payroll taxes
- Post-tax deductions
- Estimated take-home pay
Federal Tax Withholding
W-4 Withholding Guide
Learn how your W-4 information helps determine estimated federal
income tax withholding on each paycheck.
- Filing status
- Multiple jobs
- Dependents and tax credits
- Other income and deductions
- Additional withholding
Get Started
Learn the Basics, Then Estimate Your Paycheck
These guides explain the key concepts behind paycheck calculations.
When you’re ready, use one of our calculators to estimate your own
paycheck with confidence.
Recommended Reading Order
- Learn the difference between gross pay and net pay.
- Review the W-4 information that applies to you.
- Choose the calculator that matches your pay type.
- Estimate your paycheck and compare the results.
Estimate Your Paycheck
Choose the Calculator That’s Right for You
Estimate hourly, salary, overtime, bonus, or complete paycheck
scenarios using the calculator that fits your situation.
Paycheck Calculator
Estimate gross pay, taxes, deductions, and take-home pay.
Hourly Paycheck Calculator
Estimate pay using your hourly rate and hours worked.
Salary Paycheck Calculator
Convert annual salary into estimated paycheck amounts.
Overtime Pay Calculator
Estimate regular and overtime earnings.
Bonus Pay Calculator
Estimate bonus pay and estimated withholding.
Madison Paycheck
Estimate Every Paycheck with Confidence
Use the web calculators or download Madison Paycheck to save
calculations, compare scenarios, manage multiple employers, and review
paycheck history—all in one premium experience.
These guides provide general educational information only and should
not be considered tax, legal, payroll, or financial advice. Madison
Paycheck provides informational paycheck estimates that may differ from
employer payroll calculations.