When it comes to payroll, choosing the right pay schedule is crucial for both employers and employees. One of the most common pay frequencies is biweekly, but many people still wonder: How many pay periods in a year for biweekly pay?
Whether you’re managing a business, budgeting your income, or calculating your annual salary, understanding biweekly payroll can help you plan more effectively.
Quick Answer: How Many Biweekly Pay Periods in a Year?
There are typically 26 biweekly pay periods in a year. Since biweekly means getting paid every two weeks, and there are 52 weeks in a year, the math is:
52 weeks ÷ 2 = 26 biweekly pay periods
However, some years will have 27 pay periods due to the way calendar dates fall—especially if the first paycheck of the year is on January 1st or 2nd.
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Biweekly Pay Explained
Biweekly pay means employees receive a paycheck once every two weeks, usually on the same day of the week (e.g., every other Friday). This schedule is popular because it provides a predictable income and aligns well with workweeks.
Common Biweekly Pay Features:
- 26 pay periods in most years
- 27 pay periods in leap years or calendar shifts
- Every employee receives the same number of paychecks
- Often used for hourly and salaried employees alike
What Happens in Years With 27 Biweekly Pay Periods?
While most years contain 26 pay periods, some years will have 27 paydays due to leap years or the day the first paycheck lands.
What this means for:
Employees:
- If you’re salaried, your per-paycheck amount may decrease slightly to accommodate 27 checks instead of 26—unless your employer adjusts for it.
Employers:
- Payroll teams need to plan for the additional cycle, especially for budgeting and benefits deductions.
How Biweekly Pay Affects Salary
Let’s say your annual salary is $52,000:
- On a 26-pay-period schedule:
$52,000 ÷ 26 = $2,000 per paycheck - On a 27-pay-period schedule (same annual pay):
$52,000 ÷ 27 = $1,925.93 per paycheck
If the salary stays fixed, each paycheck will be slightly smaller. Some employers may choose to keep the paycheck amount the same and simply give an “extra” paycheck that year.
Biweekly Paycheck Months With Three Paydays
Most months contain two paydays, but twice a year, you’ll have three pay periods if you’re paid biweekly. These are often referred to as “extra paycheck months”.
Example in a 2025 biweekly schedule:
- January and August might each have 3 Fridays when you receive paychecks.
This is especially helpful for budgeting, saving, or paying off debts.
Biweekly vs Other Pay Schedules
| Pay Schedule | Pay Periods per Year | Common Use Cases |
| Weekly | 52 | Hourly workers, contractors |
| Biweekly | 26 (or 27) | Salaried and hourly employees |
| Semimonthly | 24 | Corporate employees, salary roles |
| Monthly | 12 | Executives, freelancers |
Tips for Employees on Biweekly Pay
- Plan for “extra” paycheck months – Treat the third paycheck as a bonus or savings opportunity.
- Automate savings or debt payments – Use the regularity of biweekly pay to your advantage.
- Understand deductions – Benefits like health insurance may be based on 24 or 26 pay periods.
- Budget based on two paychecks per month – Ignore the third check when planning fixed expenses.
Tips for Employers on Biweekly Payroll
- Review payroll calendar annually to check if the year includes 27 pay periods.
- Communicate clearly with salaried employees if their per-paycheck amount will change.
- Adjust benefits deductions to avoid over-collection or underpayment.
- Use automated payroll software to streamline the process.
Conclusion
The standard answer is that there are 26 biweekly pay periods in a year—one every two weeks. However, in some years, due to the calendar, you may receive 27 paychecks. Whether you’re managing payroll or trying to stretch your budget, understanding the biweekly pay system helps you prepare smarter.
Plan ahead for those “bonus paycheck months”, communicate changes clearly, and use the biweekly rhythm to your financial advantage.
FAQs
1. How many pay periods are in a biweekly year?
There are usually 26 pay periods in a biweekly year, but occasionally 27, depending on the calendar.
2. What months have three biweekly paychecks?
Typically, two months per year will have three pay periods. These vary each year based on your company’s payroll calendar.
3. How is biweekly pay different from semimonthly?
Biweekly is every two weeks (26 times/year), while semimonthly is twice a month (24 times/year).
4. Does biweekly mean twice a week or every two weeks?
Biweekly means every two weeks, not twice per week.
5. Can salaried employees be paid biweekly?
Yes, many salaried employees are paid on a biweekly schedule. The annual salary is divided over 26 (or 27) pay periods.
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