Payroll runs on a set schedule — weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly — and each schedule splits an annual salary differently. This calculator converts an annual salary into the correct gross pay for whichever pay period your employer uses.
The formula
For a $60,000 salary paid bi-weekly (26 pay periods a year): $60,000 ÷ 26 = $2,307.69 per paycheck.
Pay period types compared
| Schedule | Periods/year | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly | 52 | Common in hourly/retail roles |
| Bi-weekly | 26 | Every two weeks; most common in the US |
| Semi-monthly | 24 | Twice a month on fixed dates (e.g. 1st and 15th) |
| Monthly | 12 | Once a month, common outside the US |
Bi-weekly vs. semi-monthly — a common confusion
These are often mixed up but aren't the same: bi-weekly pays exactly every 14 days, resulting in 26 paychecks a year (occasionally 27 in a leap-like scheduling year), while semi-monthly always pays exactly twice a month on fixed dates, giving exactly 24 paychecks a year, with the exact amount varying by a day or two but the total remaining consistent.
Common mistakes
- Confusing gross and net pay. This calculator shows gross pay before taxes and deductions; take-home pay will be lower.
- Mixing up bi-weekly and semi-monthly. These produce different per-paycheck amounts even for the same annual salary, since they divide the year differently (26 vs. 24 periods).
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate gross pay per paycheck?
Divide your annual salary by the number of pay periods in a year — 52 for weekly, 26 for bi-weekly, 24 for semi-monthly, or 12 for monthly.
What's the difference between bi-weekly and semi-monthly pay?
Bi-weekly pays every 14 days for 26 paychecks a year; semi-monthly pays twice a month on fixed dates for exactly 24 paychecks a year. They are not the same schedule.
Does this show take-home pay?
No, this calculator shows gross pay before taxes and other deductions. Actual take-home pay will be lower.