Gross-Up Calculator
Know what salary you need to negotiate. Enter your desired take-home pay and we'll calculate the gross salary required — accounting for federal income tax, FICA, and your state's income tax.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gross-up calculation?
A gross-up calculation works backwards from your desired net (take-home) pay to find the gross salary you need to earn. Since taxes are calculated on gross income, you can't simply add your tax rate to your desired net — the gross-up formula accounts for the compounding effect of taxes.
Why do I need this calculator?
When negotiating salary, you need to know what gross number to ask for. If you want to take home $60,000 in California, you need to ask for roughly $80,000+ gross — not $60,000. This calculator tells you exactly what to negotiate for.
How accurate is this?
Very accurate for most people. We use 2026 federal tax brackets, FICA rates, and all 50 state income tax rates. We don't account for pre-tax deductions (401k, health insurance) or post-tax deductions — if you have those, your required gross will be higher.
What's the difference between gross and net pay?
Gross pay is what your employer pays you before any deductions. Net pay (take-home pay) is what hits your bank account after federal tax, state tax, and FICA (Social Security + Medicare) are withheld. The difference can be 20–35% depending on your state and income level.
Does this account for 401k and health insurance?
No — this calculator shows taxes only. If you contribute to a 401k or pay health insurance premiums pre-tax, your actual required gross will be even higher. Use our advanced salary calculator to factor in those deductions.