Net Usable Income Estimator
The only calculator on this site that goes below gross. Use it after the pay calculator when the question shifts from 'what do I earn' to 'what do I keep'.
Complete required fields, then select Calculate.
Estimate confidence: PENDING INPUT
Data as of 2026-01-01
Included in estimate
- Base pay (paygrade + years of service)
- BAS
- BAH (ZIP + dependent status)
- Special pay entered in this scenario
- Cost-of-living factor used by this tool
- Estimated federal/state/FICA deductions from tax tables
- VA military exemption (up to $15,000 for O-3 and below)
Not included
- Service-specific incentive pays not entered (for example sea pay or flight pay)
- Future pay-table or allowance updates after the data date
- Personal tax credits/deductions beyond the selected deduction assumption
What this tool is for
Use when you need an after-tax estimate for budgeting or comparing civilian offers. Federal income tax is estimated using standard withholding tables; state tax is not modeled. TSP contribution is optional. Enter 0 to see gross minus tax only.
Worked example
Example: an Army E-6 with 4 years of service in ZIP 20500 with no TSP contribution will see gross minus approximately the estimated federal tax and FICA, leaving a net estimate for monthly budgeting.
When to use it
Use it when the question is about take-home, not total compensation. Strong for budgeting, civilian salary comparisons, and rough tax planning.
When not to use it
Do not use it as a tax filing estimate. It uses standard withholding; your actual liability depends on deductions, credits, filing status, and state law.
What the result means
The net figure is a planning estimate. Verify against your LES and consult a tax professional for filing decisions.
Official sources used
Direct links to the official pages this tool relies on.
Site assumptions
- Federal income tax uses standard single or joint withholding tables at the entered deduction rate.
- State income tax is not modeled.
- TSP contribution reduces gross before tax calculation if entered.
What is included
- Federal income tax estimate
- FICA (Social Security and Medicare)
- Optional TSP deduction at the entered percentage
- Base pay, BAH, BAS from the same lookup as the pay calculator
What is not included
- State income tax
- SGLI premiums
- BAH partial or differential rates
- Garnishments or court-ordered deductions
- Tax treaty or combat-zone exclusion adjustments
Verify with
- Your Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
- IRS Publication 15-T for withholding tables
- Your unit finance office for actual LES reconciliation
Frequently asked questions
Is this an official government site?
No. This is an independent planning utility, not an official U.S. Government website. Do not submit CUI, ITAR, classified, or sensitive personal information. Always verify estimates with official sources before making financial decisions.
How accurate are these estimates?
These are planning estimates based on official DFAS, DoD, and service-specific sources. Actual pay may vary based on your specific situation, special pays, tax withholdings, and other factors. Use these tools for planning purposes and verify with your finance office.
When was this data last updated?
Check the source and assumptions sections on this page for the current effective date used by the site. If the linked official pages have changed since then, use the official pages first.
What's the difference between gross and adjusted monthly?
Gross monthly is your total compensation before deductions (base pay + BAS + BAH + special pays). Adjusted monthly is an estimate of your take-home pay after accounting for federal tax, state tax, and FICA deductions.
This estimate uses simplified planning assumptions. Review the linked methodology and official source pages before making financial decisions. Spotted an error or have a suggestion? Send a note.