Wall Stud Spacing Calculator
Calculate the number of wall studs needed and their spacing for any wall length.
Supports 16 and 24 inch centers.
Stud Count and Layout
Wall stud calculation determines how many vertical framing members you need for a wall.
Standard spacing options:
- 16 inches on center (OC): Standard for most load-bearing walls and walls with drywall.
- 24 inches on center (OC): Used for non-load-bearing interior walls and some code-compliant exterior walls.
Formula:
Number of studs = (Wall length / Spacing) + 1
Then add extra studs for:
- Corners: 2–3 extra studs per corner
- Door/window openings: 2 king studs + 2 jack studs per opening (minimum)
- Top and bottom plates: 2 boards the full length of the wall (top plate is doubled)
Example: A 12-foot (144-inch) wall at 16" OC:
- 144 / 16 = 9, plus 1 = 10 studs (field studs only, before extras)
Standard stud lengths:
- 92-5/8" precut studs for 8-foot ceilings (with plates = 8 feet)
- 104-5/8" precut studs for 9-foot ceilings