A paystub explains how your paycheck is calculated. Here’s what each section means:
- Gross Pay – Your total earnings before taxes and deductions.
- Deductions – Amounts taken out, such as federal and state taxes, Social Security, Medicare, insurance, or retirement contributions.
- Net Pay – The money you actually take home after deductions.
- Year-to-Date (YTD) – The running totals of your earnings and deductions since the start of the year.
Example: If your gross pay is $2,000 for the month, and $400 is withheld for taxes and benefits, your net pay will be $1,600. Your paystub will clearly show each deduction so you know exactly where your money goes.
With SecurePayStubs, every paystub is automatically broken down into these sections, making it simple for both employees and employers to understand.
Last modified: March 9, 2026
