Biweekly Paycheck Calculator
Enter your salary and deductions
Start with your annual salary, adjust the default withholding percentage, and add any recurring pre-tax and post-tax deductions to see the most accurate biweekly estimate.
Understanding Biweekly Paycheck Calculations
A biweekly paycheck calculator helps you estimate your take-home pay when you're paid every two weeks. With 26 pay periods per year, understanding your biweekly net income is essential for budgeting, financial planning, and comparing job offers. Our calculator considers your annual salary, tax withholding percentage, and both pre-tax and post-tax deductions to give you an accurate picture of what hits your bank account each pay period.
Biweekly pay schedules are one of the most common payment frequencies in the United States. Unlike semi-monthly pay (which results in 24 paychecks per year), biweekly payroll means you'll receive two extra paychecks annually. This can be a valuable opportunity for additional savings, debt reduction, or investment contributions if you plan your budget carefully.
How to Use the Biweekly Paycheck Calculator
Enter Your Annual Gross Salary
Input your total yearly salary before any deductions. This is the amount stated in your employment contract or offer letter.
Set Your Tax Withholding Percentage
Estimate your combined federal, state, and local income tax rate. Check your pay stub or use our city-specific paycheck calculators for more accurate rates based on your location and filing status.
Add Pre-Tax Deductions
Include contributions to 401(k), traditional IRA, health insurance premiums, HSA, FSA, or commuter benefits that come out before taxes are calculated.
Include Post-Tax Deductions
Add any after-tax deductions such as Roth 401(k) contributions, wage garnishments, union dues, or charitable contributions made through payroll.
Key Benefits of Biweekly Pay
26 Paychecks Per Year
With 26 pay periods instead of 24 (semi-monthly) or 12 (monthly), you get more frequent cash flow and two "extra" paychecks that can boost your savings or help pay down debt faster.
Easier Budgeting
Biweekly paychecks align well with many recurring bills. You can plan to cover certain expenses with each paycheck, making it easier to manage monthly obligations.
Consistent Pay Amounts
Unlike semi-monthly pay where amounts can vary slightly, biweekly paychecks are typically identical (assuming consistent hours and deductions), making financial planning more predictable.
Overtime Tracking
For hourly workers, biweekly pay periods make it easier to track overtime hours and see the impact on your paycheck within a two-week window.
Common Questions About Biweekly Paychecks
What's the difference between biweekly and semi-monthly pay?
Biweekly pay occurs every two weeks (26 times per year), while semi-monthly pay happens twice a month (24 times per year, typically on the 15th and last day). Biweekly results in slightly smaller individual paychecks but more frequent payments and two extra paychecks annually.
How do I calculate my biweekly pay from my annual salary?
Divide your annual gross salary by 26 to get your gross biweekly pay. Then subtract pre-tax deductions, apply your tax withholding rate, and subtract any post-tax deductions to arrive at your net biweekly take-home pay. Our calculator automates this process for you.
What should I do with my two "extra" biweekly paychecks?
Since most monthly budgets are based on two paychecks per month, the two months with three paychecks offer an opportunity to boost your emergency fund, make extra debt payments, increase retirement contributions, or save for large purchases without impacting your regular budget.
Are biweekly paychecks taxed differently?
No, the pay frequency doesn't change your overall tax obligation. However, the withholding per paycheck is calculated based on the biweekly amount, which is then annualized by the IRS formula. Your total annual tax remains the same regardless of payment frequency.
Can I use this calculator for hourly wages?
Yes! If you're paid hourly, multiply your hourly rate by your expected annual hours (for example: $25/hour × 2,080 hours = $52,000 annual salary) and enter that amount. For overtime calculations, check out our dedicated overtime pay calculator.