Biweekly Pay Calculator

What if the two weeks have different hours?

For straight-time pay at one rate, add both weeks' hours and divide by two before entering hours per week. For 32 hours in week one and 38 in week two, enter 35. At $20 an hour the result is $1,400, equal to 70 × $20.

Do not use that averaging shortcut to determine overtime eligibility. A 45-hour week followed by a 35-hour week averages 40 hours, but that does not erase overtime due for the first week under the usual federal rule. Calculate those weeks separately.

• Source: U.S. Department of Labor: FLSA overtime requirements

Why two checks do not equal an average month

With a steady $1,600 biweekly check and 26 checks, annual gross is $41,600. Dividing by 12 gives an average of $3,466.67 per month, while a two-check month brings $3,200. A month with a third check brings $4,800. Budget using the actual payday calendar if timing matters.

Every-two-week schedules usually have 26 paydays in a calendar year, though some calendars have 27. Twice-monthly schedules have 24. This tool estimates the two weeks of earnings, not the number or timing of paydays in a particular year.