pay periods
Biweekly vs. Semimonthly Pay: What's the Difference?
Biweekly means 26 paychecks a year every other week; semimonthly means 24 on fixed dates. How each affects hours, overtime and budgeting, with examples.
Biweekly: every other week, usually on the same weekday — 26 paychecks a year (27 in some years). Semimonthly: twice a month on set dates such as the 15th and the last day — 24 paychecks.
Hours per pay period
A full-time biweekly period is 80 hours. A semimonthly period varies from about 80 to 88 hours depending on how many workdays fall in it, which is why hourly workers on semimonthly pay see the check size move around.
Overtime is still weekly
Either way, overtime is calculated per 7-day workweek. On a semimonthly schedule, a workweek that straddles two pay periods is counted in full and its overtime is paid in the later check. Our biweekly time card calculator splits the two weeks for you.
Budgeting tip
With biweekly pay, two months a year have three paydays. Budget on two checks a month and treat the third as savings.
Quick answers
How many paychecks is biweekly?
26 a year (occasionally 27). Semimonthly is 24.
Is biweekly or semimonthly better?
Biweekly gives two 'extra' paychecks a year for budgeting; semimonthly lines up with monthly bills. Total annual pay is the same.