Stud Calculator
Enter your wall length and layout to see how many studs and 2x4s the framing needs.
| Wall length | 16 in oc | 24 in oc |
|---|---|---|
| 8 ft | 7 | 5 |
| 12 ft | 10 | 7 |
| 16 ft | 13 | 9 |
| 20 ft | 16 | 11 |
| 24 ft | 19 | 13 |
| 32 ft | 25 | 17 |
The 16 inches on center rule
Studs are placed 16 inches from center to center because that spacing lines up with 8-foot sheet goods and gives drywall plenty of backing. Divide the wall length in inches by the spacing and add one for the end stud. Round up to a whole stud.
Corners and openings add studs
Every corner needs extra studs to give the drywall a nailing surface, and every door or window needs trim studs on each side plus a header above. Add those before you count the waste allowance.
Order a little extra
Add about 10 percent for miscuts and defects, and consider pre-cut studs if you are framing a standard 8-foot wall. Keep the straightest boards for door and window openings.
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Questions about this calculator
How many studs do I need for a 20 foot wall?
At 16 inches on center, a 20-foot wall takes about 16 field studs plus one end stud, then extra for corners and openings, plus 10 percent waste.
How far apart are studs?
Most walls use 16 inches on center. Walls that carry less weight can use 24 inches on center to save lumber, but 16 is standard for drywall backing.
How many studs are in a foot of wall?
Roughly one stud per foot at 16 inches on center once you account for the extra end stud and waste. A 16-foot wall lands near 14 to 16 studs.
Do I add studs for doors and windows?
Yes. Each opening needs two trim studs, one on each side, plus a header above. The calculator adds two per opening for you.
How many plates do I need?
Plan three runs of plate lumber for top and bottom, one board per wall length, using 8 or 16 foot boards cut to fit.
Should I buy pre-cut studs?
Pre-cut studs are handy for standard 8-foot walls and save a cut per stud. For other wall heights, buy full-length boards and cut to size.