Why 26, not 24
Biweekly is every two weeks (26 periods). Semimonthly is twice a month (24). A $2,000 biweekly cheque is not the same annual pay as $2,000 semimonthly.
Biweekly Pay Calculator
Biweekly pay is 26 cheques a year. This calculator estimates the annual deductions first, then divides net pay by 26 so the biweekly amount stays consistent with the yearly total.
How this site splits a year
Income tax, CPP, and EI are estimated on an annual basis using CRA Option 1, then divided by 26. Real employers may true-up CPP or EI mid-year when a ceiling is reached, so an individual cheque can differ even when the yearly total is close.
Frequently asked questions
How many biweekly paycheques are there in a year?
26. Some years a weekday calendar produces 27 pay dates; this estimate always uses 26 so annual and biweekly figures stay internally consistent.