Now is the easiest time to switch your payroll service!Try PaycheckCity Payroll for free!

Dual Scenario Hourly Paycheck Calculator

Model two different hourly paycheck scenarios in the dual scenario hourly paycheck calculator. Compare the results of the two scenarios side by side.

State & Date
State
Federal
Hourly Rates
Earnings
$0.00
Federal Taxes (enter your W4 info)
State and Local Taxes
No state selected. Select state
Benefits and Deductions (optional)
State & Date
State
Federal
Hourly Rates
Earnings
$0.00
Federal Taxes (enter your W4 info)
State and Local Taxes
No state selected. Select state
Benefits and Deductions (optional)
How Your Paycheck Works

What is gross pay?

Gross pay amount is earnings before taxes and deductions are withheld by the employer. The gross pay in the hourly calculator is calculated by multiplying the hours times the rate. You can add multiple rates. This calculator will take a gross pay and calculate the net pay, which is the employee’s take-home pay.
Gross pay - Taxes - Benefits/deductions = Net Pay

What is the gross pay method?

The gross pay method refers to whether the gross pay is an annual amount or a per period amount. Per period amount is your gross pay every payday, which is typically what you use for hourly employees. The annual amount is your gross pay for the whole year.

What is pay frequency?

Pay frequency refers to the frequency with which employers pay their employees. The pay frequency starts the entire payroll process and determines when you need to run payroll and withhold taxes.

What is the difference between bi-weekly and semi-monthly?

Bi-weekly is once every other week with 26 payrolls per year. Semi-monthly is twice per month with 24 payrolls per year.

What are my withholding requirements?

Employers and employees are subject to income tax withholding. There are federal and state withholding requirements. Find federal and state withholding requirements in our Payroll Resources.

How do I know if I’m exempt from federal taxes?

You are tax-exempt when you do not meet the requirements for paying tax. This usually happens because your income is lower than the tax threshold. For 2023, you need to make less than:

  • single filer: $13,850
  • joint filers: $25,900
  • head of household: $20,800

If you are 65 or older, or if you are blind, different income thresholds may apply. Check the IRS Publication 505 for current laws.

Claiming exempt from federal tax withholding on your W4 when you aren’t eligible isn’t illegal but it can have major consequences. You might receive a large tax bill and possible penalties after you file your tax return.

What’s the difference between single and head of household?

Someone who qualifies as head of household may be taxed less on their income than if filing as single. This is because the tax brackets are wider meaning you can earn more but be taxed at a lower percentage. This status applies for people who aren’t married, but adhere to special rules. If you’ve paid for more than half the cost of your household (with a qualifying dependent), consider this status. Be sure to double check all the stipulations before selecting, however. Picking the wrong filing status could cost you time and money.

How is Federal Withholding (Federal Income Tax) calculated?

The more taxable income you have, the higher tax rate you are subject to. This calculation process can be complex, so PaycheckCity’s free calculators can do it for you! To learn how to manually calculate federal income tax, use these step-by-step instructions and examples.

The federal income tax is a tax on annual earnings for individuals, businesses, and other legal entities. All wages, salaries, cash gifts from employers, business income, tips, gambling income, bonuses, and unemployment benefits are subject to a federal income tax.

For each payroll, federal income tax is calculated based on the answers provided on the W-4 and year to date income, which is then referenced to the tax tables in IRS Publication 15-T. For 2024, rates are 0%, 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, or 37%.


2024 Tax RateSingleMarried Filing JointlyHead of Household
10%$0 to $11,600$0 to $23,200$0 to $16,550
12%$11,601 to $47,150$23,201 to $94,300$16,551 to $63,100
22%$47,151 to $100,525$94,301 to $201,050$63,101 to $100,500
24%$100,526 to $191,950$201,051 to $383,900$100,501 to $191,950
32%$191,951 to $243,725$383,901 to $487,450$191,951 to $243,700
35%$243,726 to $609,350$487,451 to $731,200$243,701 to $609,350
37%$609,351 or more$731,201 or more$609,351 or more

What’s the W-4 form, and why is important?

You filled out a W-4 form when you were hired. The W4 form determines the amount of federal income tax withheld from your paycheck. Completing it accurately ensures proper withholding. States have their own state withholding forms too.

What’s the difference between a deduction and withholding?

In addition to withholding federal and state taxes, part of your gross income might also have to contribute to deductions. These are known as “pre-tax deductions” and include contributions to retirement accounts and some health care costs. For example, when you look at your paycheck you might see an amount deducted for your company’s health insurance plan and for your 401k plan. Pre-tax deductions result in lower take-home, but also means less of your income is subject to tax. Some deductions are “post-tax”, like Roth 401(k), and are deducted after being taxed.

In our calculators, you can add deductions under “Benefits and Deductions” and select if it’s a fixed amount, a percentage of the gross-pay, or a percentage of the net pay. For hourly calculators, you can also select a fixed amount per hour. For pre-tax deductions, check the Exempt checkboxes, meaning the deduction will be taxed.

What was updated in the Federal W4 in 2020?

In 2020, the IRS updated the Federal W4 form that eliminated withholding allowances. The redesigned Form W4 makes it easier for your withholding to match your tax liability. Here’s how to answer the new questions:

  • Step 2: check the box if you have more than one job or you and your spouse both have jobs. This will increase withholding.
  • Step 3: enter an amount for dependents.The old W4 used to ask for the number of dependents. The new W4 asks for a dollar amount. Here’s how to calculate it: If your total income will be $200k or less ($400k if married) multiply the number of children under 17 by $2,000 and other dependents by $500. Add up the total.
  • Step 4a: extra income from outside of your job, such as dividends or interest, that usually don't have withholding taken out of them. By entering it here you will withhold for this extra income so you don't owe tax later when filing your tax return.
  • Step 4b: any additional withholding you want taken out. Any other estimated tax to withhold can be entered here. The more is withheld, the bigger your refund may be and you’ll avoid owing penalties.

If your W4 on file is in the old format (2019 or older), toggle "Use new Form W-4" to change the questions back to the previous form. Employees are currently not required to update it. However if you do need to update it for any reason, you must now use the new Form W-4.

State Dual Scenario Hourlys

Select your state from the list below to see its dual scenario hourly.

The calculators on this website are provided by Symmetry Software and are designed to provide general guidance and estimates. These calculators should not be relied upon for accuracy, such as to calculate exact taxes, payroll or other financial data. Neither these calculators nor the providers and affiliates thereof are providing tax or legal advice. You should refer to a professional adviser or accountant regarding any specific requirements or concerns.