Biweekly Paycheck Calculator (2026)
Enter your annual salary to see what your estimated biweekly take-home pay will be after federal and state taxes. This calculator helps you budget for your expenses between paychecks.
Your Estimated Biweekly Paycheck
How to Calculate Biweekly Pay
Calculating your biweekly pay involves two main steps: determining your gross pay and then subtracting all relevant deductions.
- 1. Calculate Gross Biweekly Pay: Divide your annual salary by the number of biweekly pay periods in a year, which is 26.
Annual Salary / 26 = Gross Biweekly Pay - 2. Subtract Deductions: From your gross pay, you must subtract Federal Income Tax, FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare), and any applicable State Income Tax.
Biweekly vs. Semi-Monthly Pay: What's the Difference?
It's easy to confuse these two common pay schedules, but they are different. Understanding the distinction is key for accurate budgeting.
| Feature | Biweekly | Semi-Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Paychecks per Year | 26 | 24 |
| When You Get Paid | Every two weeks (e.g., every other Friday) | Twice a month (e.g., on the 15th and 30th) |
| "Extra" Paychecks | Two months out of the year, you receive three paychecks instead of two. | None. You always receive two paychecks per month. |
| Paycheck Amount | Slightly smaller than semi-monthly, but you get two extra checks. | Slightly larger than biweekly. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate biweekly pay from an annual salary?
To find your gross biweekly pay, divide your annual salary by 26. For example, a $65,000 salary divided by 26 pay periods is $2,500 gross per paycheck. This calculator then subtracts estimated taxes to show your net pay.
Why are there 26 biweekly pay periods?
There are 52 weeks in a year. Since biweekly means "every two weeks," you simply divide 52 by 2, which equals 26 pay periods.
Is my biweekly pay after taxes?
This calculator shows both your gross biweekly pay (before taxes) and your net, or take-home, pay (after estimated federal and state taxes are deducted).