PayStubPro Editorial Team Published June 20, 2026Last reviewed July 2, 20266 min read
Reviewed by the PayStubPro Payroll Standards Team
Quick answer
Weekly payroll pays 52 times a year, biweekly pays 26 times (every two weeks), and semimonthly pays 24 times (typically twice a month on set dates). The choice affects budgeting, overtime tracking and payroll workload.
Key differences
| Schedule | Frequency | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly | 52/year | Hourly workforces, frequent overtime |
| Biweekly | 26/year | Mixed hourly and salaried teams |
| Semimonthly | 24/year | Salaried employees |
How it shows on a pay stub
The pay period dates change with the schedule, and per-period gross amounts differ even when annual pay is identical. Two extra paychecks a year make biweekly per-check amounts smaller than semimonthly.
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Informational disclaimer: This article is educational and general in nature. It does not constitute payroll, tax, accounting or legal advice. For guidance specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional.