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.

Target net payment

State

State supplemental rate (estimate)

Gross payment required

$7,651.11

to net $5,000.00 · gross = net ÷ (1 − 22% − 7.65% − 5%)

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.

Core facts

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?

Add the withholding percentages, subtract from 1, then divide the target net by that remainder. Example: 1 − (0.22 + 0.0765 + 0) = 0.7035; $5,000 ÷ 0.7035 = $6,448.68 gross.