Wall stud calculator
How many studs and plates a framed wall needs, at 12, 16 or 24 inches on center.
Studs
- Plates (1 bottom, 2 top)
An estimate for ordering lumber. Headers, cripples and blocking around openings vary with the design and aren't counted.
How to use it
Enter the wall's length in feet and the stud spacing. Add how many corners or places where another wall meets this one, and how many doors and windows it has. The calculator estimates the studs to order and the boards for the top and bottom plates.
How it's calculated
- Studs on layout = wall length in inches ÷ spacing, rounded up, + 1 for the end of the wall.
- Add 2 studs for each corner or wall intersection, to give backing for drywall on both sides.
- Add 2 studs for each door or window: the king stud and jack stud beside each opening.
- Plates = 3 × wall length (one bottom plate and a doubled top plate), divided by the board length and rounded up.
| Wall | Spacing | Studs on layout |
|---|---|---|
| 8 ft | 16 in | 7 |
| 12 ft | 16 in | 10 |
| 20 ft | 16 in | 16 |
| 20 ft | 24 in | 11 |
These corner and opening allowances are a common ordering rule of thumb, not a framing plan. Real openings also need headers and short cripple studs above and below, which depend on the opening size and whether the wall carries load.
Tips
- 16 in on center is standard for most walls. 24 in framing uses less lumber but is often limited to non-bearing walls or specific engineered designs; check your local code.
- Buy a few extra studs. Some will be bowed or twisted. Many framers add about 10%.
- Load-bearing walls and anything structural should follow your local building code or an engineer's plan.