Home → Guides → Biweekly vs. Semi-Monthly Pay
These two pay schedules sound similar and get confused constantly — but they produce different paycheque amounts for the same salary.
| Biweekly | Semi-monthly | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Every 2 weeks | Twice a month, fixed dates |
| Pay periods/year | 26 | 24 |
| $75,000 salary → net per period (ON) | $2,168 | $2,349 |
| “3-paycheque” months | Yes, roughly twice a year | No, always exactly 2 per month |
Why this matters for budgeting
If you’re comparing two job offers with the same salary but different pay schedules, your per-paycheque amount will differ — semi-monthly paycheques are larger since the same annual total is split across fewer payments (24 vs. 26). Your total annual take-home pay is identical either way.
Compare both for your salary
+ Advanced options (overtime, bonus)
Independent estimate based on 2026 CRA federal/provincial payroll formulas, Revenu Québec figures, and published CPP/CPP2/QPP/QPP2, EI and QPIP rates. Not affiliated with the Canada Revenue Agency or the Government of Canada. Actual payroll may differ based on your employer’s specific deductions, benefits, TD1 claim amounts, and other factors. This tool does not constitute tax or financial advice.
Switch between “Biweekly” and “Semi-monthly” in the “Show results per” dropdown to see the difference for your own salary.
Related guides
Biweekly Pay Calculator · Annual Salary Calculator