Why is my biweekly paycheck smaller than my semimonthly one?

Because you’re dividing the same annual salary into 26 checks instead of 24.

Which schedule is better for budgeting?

Biweekly works well for weekly or biweekly expenses. Semimonthly fits better if you pay monthly bills like rent or loans.

Do taxes change between the two?

The total tax for the year doesn’t change — only how it’s divided per paycheck.

What happens if a payday lands on a weekend or holiday?

You’ll usually get paid the business day before.

Can I switch from semimonthly to biweekly pay?

It depends on your employer’s payroll system — ask HR or payroll directly.

Biweekly vs. Semimonthly Pay: Why Your Paycheck Looks Different

Last updated November 4, 2025

It’s not your imagination — the math really does change. Biweekly and semimonthly pay schedules aren’t the same, and the difference can change how much hits your account each payday.

Table of Contents

Quick Answer

If you’re paid biweekly (every two weeks), you get 26 paychecks a year.
If you’re paid semimonthly (twice a month), you get 24 paychecks a year.

That means your per-check amount will be smaller with biweekly pay, even if your annual salary stays exactly the same.

Why It Matters

The difference isn’t about your total salary — it’s about timing and budgeting.

Biweekly = 26 checks/year
→ Paid every two weeks (usually Fridays)
→ Two “extra” paychecks in months with three pay periods
→ Great for hourly workers or those budgeting by week

Semimonthly = 24 checks/year
→ Paid on set dates (like the 15th and 30th)
→ Easier for salary consistency and monthly bills
→ Great for salaried employees

Example:

Let’s say you earn $52,000/year.

Pay Frequency	Paychecks/Year	Gross per Paycheck
Biweekly	26	$2,000
Semimonthly	24	$2,166.67

Same salary — but a different feel on payday.

Pros and Cons

Biweekly

✅ More frequent pay

✅ Easier weekly budgeting

❌ Pay dates shift each month

❌ Payroll may hit weekends/holidays

Semimonthly

✅ Predictable dates

✅ Aligns with monthly bills

❌ Slightly larger withholdings per check

❌ Fewer paydays

Take Control of Your Paychecks

Understanding biweekly vs. semimonthly pay is just the first step — now it’s time to see the real numbers. Whether you’re comparing job offers, budgeting smarter, or double-checking your pay, FormPros makes it easy.

With FormPros’ paystub generator, you can:

Instantly see your take-home pay after taxes and deductions
Compare biweekly and semimonthly paychecks side by side
Generate professional paystubs in seconds for records, loans, or proof of income

Create a Paystub Now

FAQs

Why is my biweekly paycheck smaller than my semimonthly one?
Because you’re dividing the same annual salary into 26 checks instead of 24.
Which schedule is better for budgeting?
Biweekly works well for weekly or biweekly expenses. Semimonthly fits better if you pay monthly bills like rent or loans.
Do taxes change between the two?
The total tax for the year doesn’t change — only how it’s divided per paycheck.
What happens if a payday lands on a weekend or holiday?
You’ll usually get paid the business day before.
Can I switch from semimonthly to biweekly pay?
It depends on your employer’s payroll system — ask HR or payroll directly.

Mark Mogilnitsky

Mark Mogilnitsky is a content writer specializing in Financial Form Generation, with a passion for simplifying complex processes for individuals and businesses. I thrive on crafting clear, engaging content that empowers users to navigate compliance and documentation with ease.