Which week number should payroll use in Canada?
Most Canadian payroll uses the Sunday–Saturday system (Canada week). Pick one system (Canada or ISO 8601) and keep it all year. Mixing systems causes payroll errors.
whatweek.ca
See what week of the year it is right now in Canada, including the current week number and the dates this week starts and ends.
Payroll Week Number in Canada
Current payroll week number for Canada, with both systems (Canada Sun–Sat and ISO 8601 Mon–Sun), this week's dates, and annual context.
Canada Week 39
ISO Week 38
Today: Sunday, September 20, 2026. Week of September 14, 2026 – September 20, 2026. Year 2026: 53 weeks (14 remaining).
This week for payroll
We are in <strong>Canada week 39</strong> of 2026 (Sunday–Saturday). The same period in <strong>ISO week 38</strong> (Monday–Sunday). For weekly or bi-weekly payroll, the week number determines the pay period.
The week runs from <strong>September 14, 2026</strong> to <strong>September 20, 2026</strong>. If your pay date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or statutory holiday, it is typically shifted to the previous business day.
Canada Week vs ISO Week for Payroll
Canada traditionally uses the Sunday–Saturday system. ISO 8601 (Monday–Sunday) is the international standard. Both usually match but can differ by 1 week around January 1 and December 31.
| Criteria | Canada Week | ISO 8601 Week |
|---|---|---|
| First day | Sunday | Monday |
| Week 1 contains | January 1 | First Thursday |
| Canada payroll use | Standard | International |
| This week | 39 | 38 |
<strong>Tip:</strong> Pick the system configured in your payroll software and don't change it mid-year.
Annual progress for payroll planning
- Weeks elapsed: <strong>39</strong> of 53
- Weeks remaining: <strong>14</strong>
- Current ISO week-year: <strong>2026-W38</strong>
- Day of year: <strong>263</strong> of 31
These markers help track quarterly reviews, CRA remittances, and vacation planning.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Canada week and ISO week?
Canada week = Sunday to Saturday. ISO 8601 week = Monday to Sunday. This week: Canada 39, ISO 38. They differ by at most 1 around Jan 1 and Dec 31.
How many pay weeks in the year?
The year 2026 has 53 ISO weeks. Weekly payroll: 53 pays. Bi-weekly: 27 periods. Check provincial statutory holidays.
Does pay week change with holidays?
No, the week number doesn't change. But the pay date may shift to the previous business day if it falls on a holiday or weekend. Use our pay period calculator.
What system do most Canadian payroll software use?
Most (Ceridian, ADP, Payworks, etc.) use the Sunday–Saturday system (Canada week). Check your software configuration.