Net Pay Difference Checker
See the gap between your expected and actual take-home pay — and the likely reasons why.
Written and reviewed by Rocco Clayfield, Founder & DirectorLast reviewed
Short answer
Enter your expected net pay and your actual net pay and this tool shows the difference and the most common reasons it changes in Canada: a tax change, a new or larger deduction, different hours, a bonus, or reaching the annual CPP or EI maximum. It is a guide, not an exact payroll calculation.
Add your province and anything you know changed for more relevant reasons to check.
Compare two pay periods
Enter your expected and actual net pay to see the gap and the most likely reasons to check.
FAQs
Does this calculate my exact pay?
No. It compares the two figures you enter and lists the most common reasons net pay changes. Exact tax and deductions depend on current CRA or Revenu Québec rates and your full details.
My net pay went up — is that a problem?
Not necessarily. Net pay often rises later in the year once you reach the annual CPP or EI maximum and those deductions stop.
What should I do with the result?
Use it to ask payroll a specific question, or compare two pay stubs side by side to spot the line that changed.
Related guides & checkers
Official sources for this page
Every figure here is derived from these. Where a number matters to you, read it at the source — PayStub IQ Canada explains the rules, it does not set them.
- Guide T4127, Payroll Deductions Formulas — Canada Revenue Agency
- CPP contribution rates, maximums and exemptions — Canada Revenue Agency
- EI premium rates and maximums — Canada Revenue Agency
- QPP maximum pensionable earnings and contribution rate — Revenu Québec
- QPIP premium rates and maximum insurable earnings — Quebec Parental Insurance Plan
- Payroll Deductions Online Calculator — Canada Revenue Agency
Helpful guidance, not advice
PayStub IQ Canada provides educational payroll explanations based on the information visible in your document. It does not provide legal, tax, accounting, payroll, CRA, Revenu Québec, or employment standards advice. For official decisions or corrections, contact your employer, payroll department, CRA, Revenu Québec, your provincial or territorial employment standards office, or a qualified professional.