Best Free Payroll Calculators Online (2025)
Calculate take-home pay, employer costs, overtime, and benefits with free payroll calculators designed for employees and small business owners.
Guide Overview
Understanding payroll is essential whether you are negotiating a salary offer, running your first payroll, or budgeting for a new hire. These free calculators break down gross-to-net pay, employer-side costs, and overtime rules so nothing catches you off guard. No spreadsheets required, just enter your numbers and get instant results.
Focus: payroll estimation for both employees and employers
Gross to Net: What Actually Lands in Your Bank Account
A $60,000 salary does not mean $5,000 a month in your checking account. Federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and state taxes all take a slice before your direct deposit arrives. Our paycheck calculator breaks down each deduction line by line so you can see exactly where every dollar goes. If you are evaluating a job offer, this clarity helps you compare opportunities on a true take-home basis rather than headline salary numbers.
The True Cost of Hiring an Employee
Employers often discover that a $50,000 salary actually costs $60,000 to $70,000 when you factor in FICA matching, workers compensation insurance, benefits, and PTO. The employer cost calculator totals every mandatory and optional expense so you can budget accurately before posting a job listing. Understanding these numbers is especially critical for startups that need to stretch runway and small businesses operating on thin margins.
Overtime Rules Every Employer Should Know
The Fair Labor Standards Act requires time-and-a-half pay for non-exempt employees who work more than 40 hours in a week. Some states add daily overtime thresholds or double-time rules that stack on top of federal law. Our overtime calculator handles both federal and common state rules so you can estimate the cost of extra shifts before approving them. Getting overtime wrong is one of the most common sources of wage-and-hour lawsuits for small businesses.
Bonus Tax: Why Your Bonus Check Feels Smaller
Bonuses are subject to a flat 22 percent federal supplemental withholding rate, which often feels higher or lower than your regular effective rate. The bonus tax calculator shows exactly how much of your bonus will be withheld and estimates whether you will get some back at filing time. Employers can also use the aggregate method, which withholds based on your combined regular and bonus pay for that period. Understanding the difference helps set expectations for both sides.
Planning PTO and Benefits Budgets
Paid time off and benefits are a significant part of total compensation but rarely get the same scrutiny as salary. The PTO accrual calculator shows how many hours an employee banks per pay period based on your accrual policy. The benefits cost calculator estimates the per-employee expense of health insurance, dental, vision, and retirement matching. Together these tools help employers set competitive packages without exceeding budget.
Tools in This Guide
Use these tools in sequence based on your workflow needs.
Paycheck Calculator
Estimate take-home pay after federal taxes, state taxes, and payroll deductions for hourly or salary income.
Use tool →Employer Cost Calculator
Calculate the full cost of an employee including wages, payroll taxes, benefits, and overhead.
Use tool →Overtime Pay Calculator
Calculate overtime pay based on regular hours, overtime hours, and labor law overtime multipliers.
Use tool →Time Card Calculator
Track worked hours, breaks, and overtime across shifts to generate accurate weekly time totals.
Use tool →US Bonus Tax Calculator
Estimate federal withholding on bonuses using percentage and aggregate methods, plus state tax impact.
Use tool →Salary Paycheck Calculator
Estimate net paycheck from annual salary, pay frequency, and deduction assumptions.
Use tool →Workers Comp Cost Estimator
Estimate workers compensation premiums based on payroll, class code rate, and experience modifier.
Use tool →PTO Accrual Calculator
Calculate paid time off accrual by pay period, tenure, and carryover policy.. Free online, browser-based tool with instant results and no signup.
Use tool →Benefits Cost Calculator
Estimate employer and employee benefits costs including healthcare, retirement, and paid leave.
Use tool →Employer FICA Calculator
Calculate employer-side Social Security and Medicare taxes from payroll amounts.
Use tool →Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is the paycheck calculator for my state?
Does the employer cost calculator include benefits?
How is overtime calculated for salaried employees?
Why is my bonus taxed at a higher rate than my regular pay?
Can I use these tools for contractor payments?
Last updated: June 1, 2025