🗓️ Semi-Monthly Pay Calculator
Calculate gross and estimated net pay for semi-monthly payroll (24 paychecks per year).
401(k), insurance premiums, HSA contributions, etc.
Combine federal, state, and local withholding rates.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Annual Salary
Use your gross salary before bonuses and deductions.
Add Pretax Deductions
Include per-paycheck amounts for retirement, insurance, or commuter benefits.
Set Your Tax Rate
Add federal, state, and local withholding rates for a quick estimate.
Review Net Pay
Use the gross and net figures to budget or confirm payroll accuracy.
Formula
Semi-Monthly Gross = Annual Salary ÷ 24
Taxable Pay = Semi-Monthly Gross − Pretax Deductions
Estimated Taxes = Taxable Pay × (Tax Rate ÷ 100)
Take-Home Pay ≈ Semi-Monthly Gross − Pretax Deductions − Estimated Taxes
Actual net pay varies with IRS withholding tables, filing status, allowances, and FICA.
Full Description
Semi-monthly payroll—twice per month—yields 24 paychecks a year. This calculator breaks down your salary into semi-monthly amounts and estimates take-home pay after typical pretax deductions and taxes.
Adjust the inputs to model raises, benefit changes, or different withholding assumptions. Use the results to plan automatic transfers, pay bills, or set savings goals aligned to your pay schedule.
Why It’s Helpful
- Budget around semi-monthly pay dates with accurate net pay estimates.
- Forecast annual take-home income when altering benefit elections.
- Compare semi-monthly pay to biweekly or monthly schedules.
- Validate payroll adjustments after promotions or open enrollment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Semi-monthly vs. biweekly—what’s the difference?
Semi-monthly pay occurs twice a month (24 paychecks). Biweekly occurs every two weeks (26 paychecks). Semi-monthly checks are slightly larger but arrive on fixed dates.
How precise is the tax estimate?
It’s approximate. For precise take-home pay, consult payroll stubs or detailed tax calculators.
Should bonuses be included?
Include guaranteed bonuses by increasing the annual salary. For discretionary bonuses, run a separate scenario to project their impact.
Can I account for post-tax deductions?
Enter them in the tax field by raising the effective rate, or subtract them manually from the net result for accuracy.