How Many Pay Periods in a Year?
The number of pay periods depends on your pay frequency. Most Americans are paid biweekly (26 times a year) or semi-monthly (24 times). See the full breakdown below and use our calculator to find your per-paycheck amount.
52
Weekly
pay periods/year
26
Biweekly
pay periods/year
24
Semi-Monthly
pay periods/year
12
Monthly
pay periods/year
Pay Period Calculator
Per Paycheck
$2,307.69
Paychecks Per Year
26
Pay Frequency Comparison
| Frequency | Paychecks / Year | Per Paycheck |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly | 52 | $1,153.85 |
| BiweeklySelected | 26 | $2,307.69 |
| Semi-Monthly | 24 | $2,500.00 |
| Monthly | 12 | $5,000.00 |
* All amounts are pre-tax based on a $60,000.00 annual salary.
Understanding Pay Frequencies
Weekly Pay (52 Periods)
Weekly pay means you receive a paycheck every week, usually on Friday. This results in 52 paychecks per year. While each check is smaller, some employees prefer the consistency of weekly income for budgeting purposes.
Biweekly Pay (26 Periods)
Biweekly is the most common pay schedule in the United States. You receive a paycheck every two weeks, resulting in 26 paychecks per year. Two months each year will have three paydays instead of two — these are called “triple-paycheck months.”
Semi-Monthly Pay (24 Periods)
Semi-monthly pay delivers 24 paychecks per year, typically on the 1st and 15th of each month. Each paycheck is slightly larger than biweekly, but you receive two fewer per year. This schedule is popular with salaried employees.
Monthly Pay (12 Periods)
Monthly pay gives you 12 paychecks per year, usually at the end or beginning of each month. Each paycheck is the largest of any schedule, but requires careful monthly budgeting since income arrives less frequently.
Pay Period Calendars by Year
Frequently Asked Questions
Written by
PaycheckBreakdown Editorial Team
Our team researches U.S. tax brackets, pay schedules, and cost-of-living data to bring you accurate, up-to-date salary and paycheck information.