Paycheck Guide · 2026
How to Read Your Pay Stub: Every Line Explained
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Your pay stub explains how your employer turned your earnings into the amount deposited in your bank account. Reading it line by line makes it easier to catch errors and understand why your take-home pay changed.
Gross Pay vs. Net Pay
Gross pay is what you earned before taxes and deductions. Net pay is your take-home amount after withholding and deductions. For hourly workers, verify the hours and rate. For salaried workers, confirm the pay period and annual-salary conversion.
Federal and FICA Withholding
Federal income-tax withholding is based on wages and the W-4 information you gave your employer. Social Security and Medicare are FICA payroll-tax lines. They are separate from federal income-tax withholding.
State and Local Taxes
Your stub may show state income-tax withholding and, depending on where you live or work, local withholding. Local rules vary by jurisdiction. Compare the location on your stub with your employer records if a city or county line looks unfamiliar.
Pre-Tax and Post-Tax Deductions
Pre-tax deductions may include eligible retirement contributions, HSA contributions, and health-insurance premiums. Their tax treatment depends on the benefit. Post-tax deductions are taken after applicable taxes and can include items such as Roth retirement contributions or voluntary benefits.
Year-to-Date Columns
YTD means year-to-date. These columns show running totals since January 1. They help you check whether withholding and retirement contributions are tracking as expected.
Why Your First Paycheck May Look Wrong
A first paycheck may cover a partial period, miss a benefits election, use an outdated W-4, or reflect an incorrect work location. Compare the dates, hours, elections, and YTD totals, then contact payroll promptly if something does not match.
Compare your pay stub with a personalized estimate.
Estimate your net pay →Frequently Asked Questions
What is YTD on a pay stub?
YTD means year-to-date — the running total of your gross pay and deductions since January 1.
Why is my take-home less than expected?
Common reasons include federal withholding elections, 401(k) contributions, health-insurance premiums, or state-tax differences.
How do I change my tax withholding?
Submit a new W-4 form to your employer. Use our calculator to estimate the effect of your withholding choices.
Figures and methods are based on official-source data encoded in the calculator. Not tax advice. Review the methodology and consult a qualified professional for your situation.