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How many biweekly pay periods in a year?
There are 26 biweekly pay periods in a typical year, as there are 52 weeks divided by two. Occasionally, some years contain 27 pay periods, depending on how the calendar aligns. Understanding this nuance is essential for payroll professionals and business owners to maintain accurate budgeting and transparent communication with employees.
What does biweekly pay mean?
The term “biweekly pay” means employees receive wages every two weeks—resulting in 26 paycheque per year in most cases
It’s different from:
- Weekly pay: every week (52 pay periods).
- Semi‑monthly pay: twice a month, usually on the 15th and last day (24 pay periods).
- Monthly pay: once per month (12 pay periods).
Pros of biweekly pay include consistent work periods and simplified calculation.
Cons comprise irregular pay dates for employees and occasional budgeting complexities for employers.
Why there are usually 26 biweekly pay periods per year
The basic formula is straightforward:
52 weeks / 2 = 26 biweekly pay periods.
This means most payroll systems operate under a 26‑period cycle. Employers in Canada typically schedule biweekly payrolls accordingly, promoting consistency in financial planning.
When and why some years have 27 biweekly pay periods
Every so often, years have 27 pay periods instead of the usual 26. This arises when the calendar’s alignment causes 27 biweekly cycles, often during leap years or when the year starts on a day that aligns perfectly with the pay schedule.
- It occurs approximately every 11 years.
- Example years: 2020, and upcoming 2026.
- The extra paycheque can impact cash flow, budgeting, and payroll calculations.
Employers must anticipate this anomaly, adjusting their annual budget and payroll calendar ahead of time to avoid surprises.
Biweekly vs. semi‑monthly pay periods: Key differences
| Feature | Biweekly (26) | Semi‑Monthly (24) |
| Frequency | Every 14 days | Twice a month (fixed) |
| Pay periods/year | 26 (occasionally 27) | 24 |
| Employee consistency | Slight variation in pay dates | Fixed pay dates |
| Payroll complexity | Higher (especially with 27th pay) | Lower |
Biweekly pay delivers a consistent paycheque interval but can cause variable dates. Semi‑monthly provides predictable dates but varying week-to-week periods.
Payroll planning tips for employers
To manage biweekly payroll effectively:
- Use a payroll calendar to mark pay dates, including years with 27 pay periods.
- Set up advance notices for the extra pay period so teams can adjust budget planning.
- Integrate payroll software reminders, automating alerts for upcoming 27‑period years.
- Communicate clearly with employees, setting expectations about possible shifts in pay dates.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How many biweekly pay periods are there in a leap year?
Still 26, unless the calendar alignment creates a 27th period—which can happen occasionally in leap years.
How should employers handle a 27th biweekly pay period?
They should prepare in advance: allocate funds, notify staff, and verify payroll system settings to accommodate the extra paycheque.
What’s the difference between biweekly and semimonthly pay?
Biweekly means pay every two weeks (26 checks), while semi‑monthly means twice a month (24 checks), with consequences for payroll cycles and consistency.
Is biweekly pay better for employees?
It depends since some appreciate the every-other-week rhythm, while others prefer fixed dates with semimonthly schedules.
Where to get more information about payroll in Canada?
For additional information about payroll in Canada, visit the Payroll Resources page on Canada.ca.
Contact us for more information about Nethris Payroll Management