Understand the difference between gross pay and net pay. Learn what deductions come out of your paycheck and how to calculate your take-home pay in 2026.
Every pay stub has two important numbers: gross pay (what you earned) and net pay (what you take home). Understanding the difference is essential for budgeting, negotiating salary, and verifying your paycheck.
Gross pay includes ALL compensation: - Regular wages (hourly × hours or salary) - Overtime pay - Bonuses and commissions - Tips - Holiday pay and PTO - Shift differentials
Gross pay is the number used for: - Salary negotiations - Job offers and postings - Annual income calculations - Loan qualification (debt-to-income ratio)
Published by the BestPaystubGen Editorial Team, covering paystubs, payroll compliance, federal and state taxes, W-2 forms, 1099 contractors, FICA, gross vs net pay, and IRS regulations updated for 2026.
This paystub generator is a simulation/mockup tool for personal record-keeping and verification purposes only.