10 Ways To Make A Paystub
1. Paystub Hero Generator
First up, Paystub Hero. This tool is incredibly user-friendly and takes care of all the heavy lifting. You simply enter the required details — like employee name, pay period, hours worked, and deductions — and Paystub Hero will instantly generate a professional-looking paystub.
It’s customizable, so you can adjust it to fit your exact needs. Automatic calculations ensure every figure is accurate, removing the risk of manual math errors.
Whether you’re a small business owner, freelancer, or someone who just needs a quick paystub, Paystub Hero is fast, reliable, and secure.
2. Use a Paystub Template
If you prefer a more hands-on approach, using a paystub template might be the way to go. Many free and paid templates are available online, usually in PDF, Word, or Excel formats.
Once you download a template, fill in the required details manually — gross pay, taxes, deductions, and net pay.
This method is simple and doesn’t require any special software, but you do need to double-check the math to make sure it’s accurate.
3. Accounting Software
If you already use accounting software, you might not need a separate paystub tool. These platforms often have built-in paystub generators as part of their payroll features.
All you need to do is input employee details, pay rate, and hours worked. The software automatically calculates taxes and deductions, then produces a ready-to-download paystub.
It’s a seamless solution if you’re already managing your finances in one of these programs.
4. Spreadsheet Software
For spreadsheet lovers, Excel or Google Sheets can be used to create custom paystubs. You can find free templates designed specifically for these programs, or create one from scratch.
The benefit here is complete flexibility. You can design the layout exactly how you want, add custom formulas, and even include branding.
The downside? You’ll need to set up the calculations correctly to avoid errors.
5. Payroll Services
Companies like Gusto, ADP, and Paychex offer full payroll services that include paystub creation. When you process payroll through them, they automatically generate digital or printed paystubs for each employee.
This option works best for small to medium-sized businesses that want to outsource payroll entirely. It’s more expensive than DIY methods, but it saves time and ensures compliance with payroll regulations.
6. HR Management Systems
Many HR management platforms — like BambooHR or Zenefits — include payroll modules that can produce paystubs. If your company already uses one of these systems for tracking employees and benefits, you can often add payroll as an integrated feature.
The advantage is having all your HR data in one place, making it easier to manage employee records and pay history.
7. Bank Payroll Solutions
Some banks offer payroll processing as part of their business services. For example, your business account might include the ability to run payroll and generate paystubs directly through online banking.
This is convenient if you already do all your business transactions through the same bank. Just keep in mind that bank payroll services may have limited customization compared to dedicated software.
8. Freelance Marketplace Tools
If you hire freelancers through platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, you can sometimes download payment records that act as paystubs. While not as formal as traditional paystubs, these documents can still provide proof of payment and work completed.
For a more official look, you can transfer this information into a paystub template or generator to create a cleaner, standardized document.
9. Online Form Builders
Tools like Jotform or Cognito Forms can be used to create your own paystub generator. You design a form where you or your team enter details like pay period, gross pay, and deductions. The form then outputs a formatted paystub.
This method requires a bit of setup but can be very efficient if you regularly generate paystubs for multiple people.
10. Manual Creation in Word or Pages
If you want complete control over design and aren’t afraid to do the math, you can create a paystub manually in Microsoft Word or Apple Pages. Start with a simple table, add sections for earnings, deductions, and totals, and fill in the numbers yourself.
While this is the most labor-intensive method, it’s also the cheapest — no special software required. Just be sure to double-check every calculation.
Final Thoughts
These are just a few ways to make paystubs, but they’re some of the most effective.
Whether you opt for an automated tool like Paystub Hero, a simple template, integrated accounting software, or a customized spreadsheet, you’ll be able to create professional paystubs with ease.
