Annualize, tax, then divide back
Take-home pay is easiest to estimate for the whole year, then split across paychecks. Multiply the gross by the number of pay periods to get the annual gross, subtract the taxes and deductions, and divide the yearly net by the number of pay periods for the per-paycheck figure.
Annual gross is $2,000 × 26 = $52,000. The $15,750 standard deduction leaves $36,250 taxable, so federal income tax is $4,111.50. Social Security is 6.2% of $52,000 = $3,224 and Medicare is 1.45% = $754. Take-home is $52,000 − $4,111.50 − $3,224 − $754 = $43,910.50 a year, or about $1,688.87 each paycheck.
What the estimate includes
Federal income tax uses the 2025 brackets for your filing status on the amount over the 2025 standard deduction ($15,750 single, $31,500 married filing jointly). Social Security is 6.2% up to the 2025 wage base of $176,100; Medicare is 1.45% on all wages plus 0.9% over $200,000. State tax is a flat rate you enter, applied after pre-tax deductions.
What it leaves out
This is a simplified estimate. It does not model tax credits, itemized deductions, local taxes, extra withholding from your W-4, or the way pre-tax deductions reduce Social Security and Medicare wages (those stay on the full gross here). Your real withholding and tax return will differ.
A simplified take-home estimate using 2025 federal brackets, FICA and a flat state rate you enter. It is not tax advice and does not model credits, local taxes or W-4 withholding. Confirm with a tax professional or the IRS.