Biweekly Pay Calculator
How to Calculate Biweekly Pay
Biweekly pay means you receive a paycheck every two weeks, resulting in 26 pay periods per year. This is one of the most common payroll cycles used by employers in North America because it simplifies budgeting for employees while maintaining a consistent schedule for payroll departments.
The Biweekly Pay Formulas
Depending on whether you are an exempt (salaried) or non-exempt (hourly) employee, the calculation differs slightly:
1. For Salaried Employees
If you know your total gross annual salary, the math is straightforward. Since there are 52 weeks in a year, paying every two weeks means there are 26 pay periods.
Formula: Annual Salary / 26 = Gross Biweekly Pay
Example: If you earn $52,000 per year:
$52,000 / 26 = $2,000 per paycheck.
2. For Hourly Employees
If you are paid by the hour, you must first calculate your weekly earnings and then double them for the two-week period.
Formula: (Hourly Rate × Hours Per Week) × 2 = Gross Biweekly Pay
Example: If you earn $20 per hour and work 40 hours per week:
($20 × 40) × 2 = $1,600 per paycheck.
Biweekly vs. Semimonthly: What's the Difference?
| Feature | Biweekly | Semimonthly |
|---|---|---|
| Pay Frequency | Every 2 weeks | Twice per month (e.g., 1st and 15th) |
| Paychecks per Year | 26 | 24 |
| "Magic" Months | 2 months a year have 3 checks | Always 2 checks per month |
Why the 26th Pay Period Matters
Because there are slightly more than 52 weeks in a year, biweekly schedules occasionally result in a "triple pay month." Twice a year, you will receive three paychecks in a single calendar month instead of two. For many employees, these "extra" checks are excellent opportunities for savings, debt repayment, or large purchases, as most monthly expenses (like rent or mortgage) are covered by the first two checks.
Understanding Deductions
Keep in mind that the calculator above provides your Gross Pay. This is the amount before taxes and deductions. To find your "take-home" or Net Pay, you must subtract:
- Federal and State Income Tax
- FICA (Social Security and Medicare)
- Health Insurance premiums
- Retirement contributions (401k/403b)
- Garnishments or other voluntary deductions