Wall Framing Calculator
Calculate the number of studs, plates, and headers needed for framing a wall.
Supports 16-inch and 24-inch on-center spacing.
Wall Framing Basics A standard wall frame consists of vertical studs, a bottom plate (sole plate), a top plate (typically doubled), and headers above any openings (doors, windows). Studs are typically 2x4 for interior walls and 2x6 for exterior walls.
Stud Spacing Standard spacing is 16 inches on center (OC) — measuring from the center of one stud to the center of the next. This spacing aligns with standard 4-foot-wide sheet goods (drywall, plywood, OSB). 24-inch OC spacing is allowed for some non-load-bearing walls and saves material. Load-bearing walls typically require 16-inch OC.
Stud Count Formula Number of studs = (wall length in inches / spacing) + 1 (for the end stud). Add 2 extra studs per corner (for corner backing). Add 2 king studs + 2 jack studs per door opening. Add 2 king studs + 2 jack studs per window opening. Add 1 cripple stud per 16 inches of opening width (above headers and below window sills).
Plates Bottom plate: 1 board the length of the wall. Top plate: 2 boards (double top plate) the length of the wall. Top plate joints must be staggered by at least 4 feet between the two layers. Total plate length = wall length x 3.
Headers Door and window openings need headers — horizontal beams that transfer the load above the opening to the jack studs on each side. Header size depends on the span: up to 4 ft = double 2x6, up to 6 ft = double 2x8, up to 8 ft = double 2x10, up to 10 ft = double 2x12.