2026 Guide

What Is a Pay Stub? How to Read One

Pay Stub means the earnings statement attached to each paycheck that itemizes your pay and deductions. Here is a plain-English guide to what it is and how to read every field.

What is a Pay Stub?

A pay stub (also called a pay slip or earnings statement) is the breakdown that comes with each paycheck. It shows your gross pay for the period, every tax and deduction taken out, and your net "take-home" pay, along with year-to-date totals. Lenders, landlords, and HR teams use pay stubs to verify income.

Who sends a Pay Stub, and when?

Your employer or its payroll provider (ADP, Gusto, Paychex, Workday, and others) generates a pay stub every pay period — weekly, biweekly, semi-monthly, or monthly.

How to read a Pay Stub, field by field

Gross pay

Total earnings for the pay period before anything is deducted, including regular hours, overtime, and bonuses.

Net pay

Your actual take-home amount after all taxes and deductions — the number that hits your bank account.

Federal & state income tax

Income tax withheld based on your W-4 elections and state rules.

Social Security & Medicare (FICA)

6.2% for Social Security and 1.45% for Medicare, withheld from most paychecks.

Pre-tax deductions

401(k), health/dental/vision premiums, HSA/FSA contributions — these lower your taxable wages.

Pay period & pay date

The date range the check covers and the date you were paid. Do not confuse the two.

YTD (year-to-date) columns

Running totals of earnings, taxes, and deductions for the calendar year so far.

Skip the manual reading

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What to double-check

⚠Per-check amounts depend on pay frequency: a biweekly stub (26/year) shows less per check than a monthly stub (12/year) for the same salary.
⚠Compare YTD gross on the final stub of the year to Box 1 of your W-2 — they differ by your pre-tax deductions.
⚠Garnishments or reimbursements can appear as separate line items and shift net pay.

Frequently asked questions

How do I calculate take-home pay from a pay stub?

Take-home (net) pay = gross pay − all taxes − all deductions. Every line item between gross and net explains the difference.

Can a pay stub be used for income verification?

Yes. Lenders and landlords commonly request one to three recent pay stubs to confirm employment and income.

What is the difference between gross and net pay?

Gross pay is your total earnings before deductions; net pay is what remains after taxes and deductions.