2026 Semi-Monthly Pay Calculator
Semi-Monthly Paycheck Calculator (2026)
On a semi-monthly schedule you receive 24 paychecks per year — typically on the 1st and 15th. Enter your annual salary and state below to see your exact semi-monthly take-home pay after all taxes.
Pay period comparison — 75,000 salary in California (single filer)
Illustrative engine-computed breakdown. Annual net pay is the same regardless of pay frequency; per-check amounts differ because of how the year is divided.
| Pay Period | Paychecks/Year | Gross Per Check | Est. Net Per Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly | 52 | $1,442 | $1,104 |
| Biweekly | 26 | $2,885 | $2,208 |
| Semi-monthly | 24 | $3,125 | $2,392 |
| Monthly | 12 | $6,250 | $4,783 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is semi-monthly pay?
Semi-monthly pay means you are paid twice per month — typically on the 1st and 15th — for 24 paychecks per year.
Semi-monthly vs biweekly — what is the difference?
Semi-monthly pay is 24 paychecks per year (twice per calendar month). Biweekly pay is 26 paychecks per year (every two weeks). Biweekly employees receive about two extra paychecks annually compared with semi-monthly.
How do I calculate semi-monthly gross from annual salary?
Divide your annual salary by 24 to get gross semi-monthly pay. ExactTakeHome then applies federal, state, and FICA withholding using 2026 tax tables.
See also: Weekly paycheck calculator · Biweekly paycheck calculator
Data Sources & Methodology
ExactTakeHome tax data is sourced from official government publications and verified against primary sources. Last verified: .
- Federal withholding: IRS Publication 15-T — Federal Income Tax Withholding Methods
- Social Security wage base: SSA 2026 Social Security Wage Base
- Medicare rates: IRS Topic No. 751 — Social Security and Medicare Withholding Rates
- State income tax: California Franchise Tax Board — 2026 California Employer's Withholding Schedules