Paychecks
How Biweekly Pay Differs From Twice-Monthly Pay
Last updated September 2026 · Workly USA editorial team
Biweekly means every two weeks. Twice-monthly, also called semimonthly, means two scheduled paydays per month. The schedules are not interchangeable.
The calendar difference
Biweekly payroll usually produces 26 paychecks in a year, with two months containing three paydays. Semimonthly payroll produces 24 checks, often around the 15th and last day of the month.
Budgeting around the schedule
Fixed monthly bills can be easier to plan with semimonthly pay. With biweekly pay, treat the two extra-paycheck months as opportunities for savings or irregular expenses rather than assuming every month has the same deposit count.
Why paycheck amounts differ
An annual salary divided by 26 is smaller per check than the same salary divided by 24. Total annual gross pay can still be identical, before deductions and unpaid time.
Frequently asked questions
Is biweekly the same as twice a month?
No. Biweekly is every two weeks; twice-monthly is two times in each calendar month.
Which schedule pays more?
Neither necessarily pays more annually. The number and size of checks differ, while annual salary may remain the same.
Can a year have 27 biweekly checks?
Yes, depending on the calendar and the employer's chosen payday schedule. Ask payroll how annual salary is handled in that year.
This article is general educational information for American workers, not tax, legal, payroll, or financial advice. Rules vary by state and employer. Verify current requirements with your state labor department or a qualified professional.