See what each paycheque will look like before it arrives. Choose your province and pay frequency to estimate tax, CPP or QPP and EI per pay period.
Reading your pay stub
A Canadian pay stub usually shows gross pay, then these deductions:
- Federal and provincial income tax withheld using CRA payroll formulas.
- CPP or QPP until you hit the yearly maximum, after which this line drops to zero, often in the fall for higher earners.
- EI premiums, which also stop once you reach $68,900 of insurable earnings.
- Optional items such as benefits, union dues, pension plans or group RRSP.
Pay frequencies explained
| Frequency | Pays per year | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly | 52 | Common for hourly jobs |
| Bi-weekly | 26 | Two months a year have three paydays |
| Semi-monthly | 24 | Paid on fixed dates, e.g. 15th and last day |
| Monthly | 12 | Largest single cheque, plan your budget |
Why your paycheque changes during the year
When CPP and EI maximums are reached, your net pay goes up for the rest of the year. A raise, overtime or a bonus can push part of your income into a higher bracket, so the next cheque may be taxed more. Use the calculator again whenever your pay changes.
FAQ
Is this the same as my employer’s payroll software?
It uses the same 2026 rates but annualizes your income, so individual cheques can differ by a few dollars.
How do I plan for a full year?
Use the salary after tax calculator for annual figures.