Paycheck Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the paycheck calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Formulas Used

Gross Paycheck

gross_paycheck = annual_salary / pay_periods

Monthly Gross

monthly_gross = annual_salary / 12

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
annual_salaryAnnual Salary(USD)55000
pay_periodsPay Periods Per Year26

How It Works

How to Estimate Your Paycheck

Divide your annual salary by the number of pay periods to see each gross paycheck.

Formula

Gross Paycheck = Annual Salary / Pay Periods Per Year

Common schedules: Weekly (52), Bi-weekly (26), Semi-monthly (24), Monthly (12).

Worked Example

You earn $55,000/year paid bi-weekly (26 pay periods).

annual_salary = 55000pay_periods = 26
  1. 01Annual salary: $55,000
  2. 02Pay periods: 26 (bi-weekly)
  3. 03Gross paycheck = $55,000 / 26 = $2,115.38
  4. 04Monthly gross = $55,000 / 12 = $4,583.33

Ready to run the numbers?

Open Paycheck Calculator