Complete guide: Net / Gross Salary
Updated:
Gross salary is what your contract states; net is what actually reaches your account after tax withholding and social security contributions. The gap can range from 15% to over 30% depending on your country and income, and knowing it is essential for a realistic budget.
The reverse conversion is just as useful in a negotiation: if you want to take home 3,000 net per month, simply adding a percentage is not enough, because withholdings also apply to what you add. The 'net to gross' mode solves the exact equation: gross = net ÷ (1 − withholding − social security).
Enter your salary and the withholding percentages that apply to you (found on your payslip) to see monthly and annual net pay, how much goes to each item and what total percentage deductions represent.
How it works
- 1Withholding = gross × withholding %; social security = gross × contribution %.
- 2Net = gross − withholding − social security.
- 3In reverse mode: gross = net ÷ (1 − withholding % − social security %).
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find my withholding %?
On your payslip or your country's tax tables.
How do I ask for a gross salary to earn a specific net?
Use 'net to gross' mode: enter the net you want to receive and the calculator tells you the exact gross to negotiate.
Why is adding the percentage to the net not enough?
Because withholdings are calculated on total gross, not on net. Adding the % to the net always falls short; the exact division is net ÷ (1 − rates).