How do I calculate my W2 wages from my pay stub?

To calculate W2 wages from your pay stub, start with your YTD gross pay and subtract pre-tax deductions like 401(k) contributions, health insurance premiums, and HSA contributions. The result is your Box 1 federal taxable wages.

Why is my W2 Box 1 different from my gross pay?

W2 Box 1 shows taxable wages, not gross pay. Pre-tax deductions like retirement contributions, health insurance, and FSA contributions reduce your taxable wages below your gross pay amount.

What is the Social Security wage base for 2025?

The Social Security wage base for 2025 is $176,100. This means only the first $176,100 of your wages are subject to Social Security tax (6.2%). Any earnings above this amount are not subject to Social Security withholding.

Free estimate • 2026

W2 Tax Calculator

Turn pay stub numbers into a quick W‑2 box estimate. Enter your pay frequency, gross pay, deductions, and withholding to estimate Boxes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 16, and 17.

Estimates are for planning/preview only. Your employer’s payroll setup and state rules can change exact results.

Tip: If you have a year-end pay stub, use the YTD gross for the best estimate.

Pay stub inputs

Pay frequency

Gross pay per period

Use the gross earnings for a typical pay period.

YTD gross (optional)

If you’re on your last paycheck of the year, your pay stub YTD gross is often the best starting point.

Pre-tax 401(k) per period

Traditional 401(k) typically reduces Box 1, but not Boxes 3/5.

Pre-tax health per period

Section 125 plans commonly reduce Boxes 1/3/5.

Pre-tax HSA per period

HSA via payroll typically reduces Boxes 1/3/5.

Federal tax withheld per period

State

State tax withheld per period

Estimated W‑2 boxes

Enter your pay stub inputs to see estimates.

Box 1 (Wages)$0.00

Box 2 (Federal tax)$0.00

Box 3 (SS wages)$0.00

Box 4 (SS tax)$0.00

Box 5 (Medicare wages)$0.00

Box 6 (Medicare tax)$0.00

Box 16 (your state wages)$0.00

Box 17 (State tax)$0.00

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Why don’t my Boxes 3 and 5 match Box 1?

Some deductions (like traditional 401(k)) reduce federal taxable wages (Box 1) but are still subject to Social Security and Medicare wages (Boxes 3 and 5). Other deductions (like certain health plans and HSA via payroll) can reduce both.

Why might Box 16 differ from Box 1?

States can treat retirement and benefit deductions differently. If your pay stub shows YTD “state taxable wages,” use that as the best reference.

Does this include the Social Security wage base?

Yes. Social Security wages are capped at $176,100 for Box 3/4 calculations. Medicare wages (Box 5/6) have no cap.

W2 Tax Calculator

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