Ad slot — top banner (e.g. 728x90 / responsive)
$ PaycheckMath

California Paycheck Calculator (2026)

See what you actually take home in California after federal tax, state income tax, SDI, and FICA. Enter your pay, get your number instantly.

Net pay per paycheck
$0
Net pay per year
$0
Take-home Federal tax Social Security & Medicare State tax
Gross pay (annual)$0
Federal income tax$0
Social Security (6.2%)$0
Medicare (1.45%+)$0
State income tax$0
CA State Disability Insurance (1.3%)$0
Net pay (annual)$0

Estimates only, based on 2026 IRS federal brackets and published 2026 state tax rates. Uses the standard deduction and does not account for local/city taxes, pre-tax benefit elections beyond what you entered, tax credits, or itemized deductions. For an exact figure, check your pay stub or consult a tax professional.

Ad slot — in-content (e.g. 300x250 / responsive)

California paycheck deductions explained

California has the highest top marginal state income tax rate in the country (13.3% on income over $1 million) but also has a gentle bottom bracket starting at just 1%. On top of state income tax, California is one of the only states that deducts State Disability Insurance (SDI) — 1.3% of wages with no cap — which funds paid family leave and short-term disability benefits.

How this calculator works

We start with your gross pay, apply the 2026 IRS standard deduction for your filing status, then run the remainder through the seven federal tax brackets (10% to 37%) so only the income inside each bracket is taxed at that bracket's rate. Social Security (6.2%, up to the $184,500 wage base) and Medicare (1.45%, plus an extra 0.9% above $200,000) come off next, followed by any applicable state tax.

Frequently asked questions

How much are California state taxes on my paycheck?

California uses a progressive income tax with ten brackets ranging from 1% to 13.3%, depending on your income and filing status. On top of that, California deducts 1.3% for State Disability Insurance (SDI), which has no wage cap.

Does California have local city income taxes?

No. Unlike some states with city-level taxes, California does not add a separate municipal income tax on top of the state rate.

What is SDI on my California paycheck?

State Disability Insurance (SDI) is a mandatory 1.3% payroll deduction that funds California's paid family leave and short-term disability benefits.

Is this California paycheck calculator accurate for 2026?

It uses California's published 2026 tax brackets and SDI rate. It's an estimate for planning purposes — your actual paycheck may vary slightly based on your employer's specific payroll setup and your W-4/DE-4 elections.

Ad slot — bottom banner (e.g. 728x90 / responsive)