2026 Payroll Calendar Generator

How many pay periods are in a year?

Weekly pay gives 52 (occasionally 53), bi-weekly gives 26 (occasionally 27), semi-monthly always gives 24, and monthly always gives 12. The extra weekly or bi-weekly period happens because 52 weeks is slightly less than a full calendar year, so the dates drift forward.

What is a 27 pay period year and why does it matter?

Roughly every 11 years a bi-weekly schedule produces 27 paydays instead of 26. Salaried employees paid a fixed amount per period would receive an extra payment, so employers must decide in advance whether to absorb the cost or spread the annual salary across 27 periods. Set your first payday above and the generator tells you immediately.

What happens when payday falls on a weekend or holiday?

Banks do not process ACH transfers on weekends or federal holidays. Most employers move the payday to the preceding business day so employees are not paid late. The calendar below flags every affected date and shows the likely adjusted date.

What is the difference between semi-monthly and bi-weekly?

Semi-monthly pays twice a month on fixed dates (commonly the 15th and last day) for 24 paychecks a year. Bi-weekly pays every 14 days for 26 paychecks. Bi-weekly paydays always land on the same weekday; semi-monthly dates move around the week.

Is this payroll calendar official?

No. It is a planning tool generated from the schedule you enter. Your employer sets the actual pay dates, and their policy on weekend and holiday adjustments may differ from the common practice shown here.