When to Use This Tool
Use this calculator when you are switching jobs, comparing a counter-offer, or deciding between two employers with different salary structures. It keeps monthly in-hand separate from CTC optics, so you can see PF contribution, income tax, professional tax, and total deductions for each offer before you negotiate.
Formula
Offer in-hand = cash CTC - employee PF - professional tax - income tax - cess
Cash CTC = fixed CTC + joining bonus + adjusted variable pay
Stock options are shown separately and not treated as monthly in-hand cashNon-Cash Components
ESOPs, RSUs, insurance, wellness budgets, food cards, gratuity accruals, and learning budgets can be useful, but they are not the same as monthly bank credit. Compare them after you compare in-hand pay. A lower CTC with predictable cash can beat a higher CTC that depends heavily on uncertain bonus or illiquid stock.
Common Indian Salary Structure Differences
Employers vary basic salary from around 30% to 60% of CTC. A higher basic can improve PF and gratuity benefits but reduce current in-hand. Some companies include employer PF, insurance, gratuity, retention bonus, and variable pay inside CTC; others show a cleaner fixed-pay number. Always ask for a component-wise breakup and compare cash, tax, and risk separately.
Common questions
When should I use a salary comparison calculator?
Use it when switching jobs, comparing two offer letters, negotiating variable pay, or checking whether a higher CTC actually gives higher monthly in-hand salary.
Why can a higher CTC have lower in-hand salary?
A higher basic percentage can increase PF deductions, old-regime assumptions can change tax, and non-cash benefits such as insurance or stock options may inflate CTC without increasing monthly bank credit.
Should I count ESOPs as in-hand salary?
No. ESOPs or stock options are potential long-term upside, not guaranteed monthly cash. Keep them visible, but compare monthly in-hand separately.
How should I treat variable pay?
Treat variable pay as uncertain. Use the what-if slider to reduce one offer's bonus and see whether the offer still wins.
Does this replace HR payroll confirmation?
No. Use it for offer evaluation and negotiation. Final payroll depends on employer-specific components, reimbursements, deductions, and tax declarations.
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Request a calculator →Disclaimer: Salary comparison results are estimates based on FY 2025-26 assumptions and standard payroll structures. Actual in-hand salary can differ by employer policy, payroll deductions, reimbursements, declarations, and state rules.
Last updated: May 2026