€/year

Enter the annual net salary you want to receive

Why calculate from net to gross?

Calculating the gross salary needed to obtain a desired net is essential when negotiating a new job or a salary raise. Companies usually talk in gross terms, while you want to know how much will actually reach your pocket.

How does reverse calculation work?

Net-to-gross calculation is more complex because IRPF is progressive. Our calculator uses an iterative method to find the exact gross salary that, after applying contributions and IRPF, results in your desired net.

Social Security Contributions 2026

The employee contributes to Social Security: 4.70% for common contingencies, 1.55% for unemployment, 0.10% for professional training and 0.13% for MEI (Intergenerational Equity Mechanism). In total, approximately 6.48% of gross salary.

The effect of progressive IRPF

Since IRPF is progressive (higher income, higher percentage), to get more net you need proportionally more gross. For example, going from €20,000 to €25,000 net may require a gross increase of more than 25% because part of the increase falls into higher IRPF brackets.

Factors affecting required gross

  • Your personal situation: Married with children need less gross for the same net
  • Disability: Significantly reduces IRPF and therefore the required gross
  • Autonomous community: There can be differences of up to 3-4% in IRPF
  • Contribution group: Affects contribution bases
  • Age: Over 65 have additional deductions

Tips for negotiating your salary

When negotiating your salary: 1) First calculate how much net you need to cover your expenses, 2) Use this calculator to find out what gross to ask for, 3) Also ask about the total cost to the company (gross + employer SS), as this is the real figure they value, 4) Consider negotiating benefits in kind (flexible remuneration) that are not taxed the same way.

Frequently asked questions

How much gross do I need to earn €2,000 net per month?
To earn €2,000 net per month (€28,000 annually in 14 payments), you would need approximately €38,000-40,000 gross per year, depending on your personal situation. Use the calculator with your exact data for a more precise figure.
Why is net-to-gross calculation more complex?
Because IRPF is a progressive tax with different brackets. You cannot simply apply a fixed inverse percentage. Our calculator uses an iterative algorithm that tests different gross values until it finds the one that produces exactly the desired net.
How do I use this information in salary negotiation?
First, determine how much net you need monthly. Then use the calculator to find the corresponding gross. In negotiation, always speak in terms of annual gross. It is also useful to know the total cost to the company (including their Social Security part) to understand negotiation margins.
What is the total cost to the company?
In addition to your gross salary, the company pays approximately 30% more in Social Security contributions. For example, if your gross is €30,000, the real cost to the company is approximately €39,000. This is the figure they really value when deciding to hire you.
Is it better to negotiate gross or net?
Always negotiate in terms of annual gross. It is the market standard and what companies handle. Also, the net can vary year to year according to changes in IRPF or your personal situation, but the agreed gross remains constant (except for raises).
Can I legally reduce the required gross?
Yes, through flexible remuneration. Products like meal vouchers, transport, nursery or health insurance have tax advantages. For example, €1,500 in meal vouchers saves you the IRPF on that amount, effectively reducing the gross needed to achieve the same purchasing power.
How does the number of payments affect the calculation?
The number of payments does not affect the total gross needed calculation, only how it is distributed monthly. With 14 payments you receive two extra payments per year and lower monthly payments. With 12 payments, everything is distributed equally each month.
What if the calculated gross seems too high?
Check if you can optimize your tax situation: do you have children you can declare? Does your spouse have very different income (joint taxation)? Can you negotiate flexible remuneration? Also consider that market salaries for your position may be different from what you expected.