Gross-Up Calculator
Grossing up means paying enough gross that the recipient nets a target after tax: gross = net ÷ (1 − total withholding rate). Employers use it for net-signing bonuses, relocation lump sums and exec perks. The calculator uses the federal supplemental 22%, your state rate, and 7.65% FICA.
Quick answer: To net $5,000 after 22% federal, 7.65% FICA and 0% state, the gross must be $7,107 — divide the net by 0.7035. In a 5% state it is $7,651.
| Gross | $7,651.11 |
| Federal withholding (22%) | − $1,683.24 |
| FICA (7.65%) | − $585.31 |
| State (custom 5%) | − $382.56 |
| Net | $5,000.00 |
Uses the 22% federal supplemental rate. Gross-ups themselves are taxable wages — this closed-form divides once, which matches payroll practice for a single-level gross-up. Not tax advice.
| Formula | Gross = net ÷ (1 − fed% − FICA% − state%) |
|---|---|
| Example | $5,000 net at 22% + 7.65% = gross $7,107 (no state tax) |
| Payroll note | The gross-up itself is taxable wages — the formula already accounts for that |
Common uses
- Employers budgeting a net-$5,000 bonus (what does it really cost?)
- Relocation packages promised as 'net of tax'
- Employees checking whether a gross-up was computed fairly
Frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate a gross-up?
More Tips & Paycheck Calculators
Take-home pay by state
The same salary nets a different amount in every state, because each one writes its own income tax schedule. These state calculators run the 2026 federal brackets and FICA, then apply the state's own rates and standard deduction.