Our calculators are built using standard industry formulas and mathematical calculations, so the math itself is 100% accurate. That said, the results are only as good as the information you put in. If you enter your exact salary, work hours, and other details correctly, you’ll get precise results. For market comparisons like the Percentile Calculator, we use the most recent publicly available salary data, but remember that actual market rates can vary by company, city, and even specific role responsibilities. Think of our tools as highly reliable estimates that give you a solid starting point for decisions and conversations.

No, you shouldn’t use these calculators for official tax filing or legal purposes. Our tools are designed to help you understand and compare salary information for career planning and negotiations—not for preparing tax returns or legal documents. For anything tax-related, you’ll want to work with a qualified tax professional or accountant who can account for your specific situation, deductions, credits, and local tax laws. Our calculators are great for personal planning and decision-making, but when it comes to the IRS or legal matters, always consult a professional.

Right now, our calculators are primarily designed for the U.S. market, with salary data, work schedules, and assumptions based on American employment standards (like 40-hour work weeks, U.S. holidays, etc.). If you’re in another country, the basic math conversions (like hourly to salary) will still work fine, but market percentile data and some assumptions might not match your local situation. We’re always looking to expand, so if there’s enough interest in calculators for other countries, we’d love to build them. For now, feel free to use the conversion tools, but take market comparison results with a grain of salt if you’re outside the U.S.

Gross salary is your total pay before anything gets taken out—it’s the number you see in your offer letter or employment contract. This is your “on paper” salary. Net salary (also called “take-home pay”) is what actually hits your bank account after taxes, health insurance, retirement contributions, and other deductions are removed. Most of our calculators work with gross salary because that’s the standard way people talk about compensation. But it’s super important to remember that your net pay—what you actually have to spend—will be lower, sometimes significantly. Tools like the Paycheck Increase Calculator can help you understand the difference between a gross raise and what you’ll actually take home after taxes.

There’s no hard rule, but here’s what makes sense: Check your salary percentile at least once a year, ideally a few months before your annual review so you have time to prepare. Also check it whenever you’re considering a job change, have been in your role for 2+ years without a significant raise, or when you’ve taken on major new responsibilities. If you’re actively job hunting, check it before applying and definitely before negotiating offers. Markets change, your experience grows, and your value increases over time—so staying aware of where you stand helps you make smart career moves. That said, don’t obsess over it monthly. Once or twice a year, plus before major career moments, is plenty.