How Calculations Work
A simple guide to understanding our calculators and getting the most accurate results.
Getting Started
Using CalcTrust calculators is straightforward. Here's the general workflow:
- 1.Choose a calculator that matches your needs (e.g., salary-to-hourly, paycheck calculator for your state)
- 2.Enter your information in the input fields (salary, filing status, deductions, etc.)
- 3.See instant results on the right side showing your calculations
- 4.Review the breakdown to understand how we arrived at the numbers
Understanding Your Results
Paycheck Calculators
When you use a paycheck or salary calculator, you'll see:
- Gross Pay: Your total earnings before any deductions
- Federal Tax: Income tax withheld based on IRS brackets and your W-4 filing status
- FICA: Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) combined
- State Tax: State income tax (if applicable to your state)
- Pre-Tax Deductions: 401(k), HSA, or other contributions (if entered)
- Net Pay: Your actual take-home amount after all deductions
Salary Conversion Calculators
These tools convert between annual salary and hourly rates:
- Annual Salary: Total yearly income
- Hourly Rate: How much you earn per hour
- Weekly/Monthly: Breakdowns for budgeting purposes
Default assumption: 40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year (2,080 hours annually). You can customize these for part-time or contract work.
Tips for Accurate Results
✓ Use your correct state
State tax rates vary significantly. Make sure you select where you actually work and file taxes.
✓ Choose the right filing status
Single, married, or head of household affects your federal withholding. Use what's on your W-4.
✓ Include pre-tax deductions
401(k), health insurance, and HSA contributions reduce your taxable income don't forget to add them.
✓ Enter gross pay accurately
Use your salary BEFORE deductions, not your take-home pay. Check your offer letter or pay stub.
Common Questions
Why doesn't my result match my actual paycheck exactly?
Our calculators provide estimates based on standard assumptions. Your actual paycheck may include employer-specific deductions (health insurance premiums, union dues, garnishments), different withholding elections, or local taxes we don't model.
Do you account for state and local taxes?
Yes for state income taxes each state calculator uses that state's specific tax tables. However, we don't currently model city or county taxes (e.g., NYC, San Francisco) as they vary widely and often depend on employer location vs. residence.
How often are tax rates updated?
We update federal rates annually (typically in late December for the new year) and state rates quarterly or as legislation changes. Each calculator page shows when it was last updated.
Can I save my calculations?
Currently, we don't save your data (for privacy reasons). You can bookmark specific calculator pages or take a screenshot of your results for reference.
Still Have Questions?
If something isn't clear or you'd like help with a specific scenario, we're here to help.