Stud Calculator

Count the wall studs and plates for a framed wall from its length and stud spacing, with extras for corners, wall intersections and openings.

Stud Spacing
Wall Height
Sets the precut stud length for a wall with one bottom plate and a double top plate.
Where another wall meets this one.
Doors and windows.
%
For crooked studs, blocking and mistakes.
Plate Stock Length
Cost
$
$
Fractions work too: try 12 1/2.
–
Studs
On center
Corners and tees
Openings
Stud length
Plates
Cost
Add prices to estimate

Wall List

Walls you add are saved in this browser.

WallSizeStudsPlate BoardsCostRemove

How to Count Wall Studs

Start with the studs on center: divide the wall length in inches by the spacing and add one for the end. Then add studs for the framing details. This calculator adds two for each corner, two for each place another wall tees in, and two for each door or window for the jack studs under the header. The king studs beside each opening usually fall close to on-center positions, so they're covered by the base count.

Studs = ⌊length (in) ÷ spacing⌋ + 1 + 2 × (corners + tees + openings)
Plates = 3 × wall length (one bottom plate, a double top plate)

Worked Example

Precut Stud Lengths

Wall HeightPrecut StudWhy
8′92⅝″92⅝″ + three 1½″ plates = 97⅛″: room for a ½″ drywall ceiling above two 48″ sheets on the wall, with a ⅝″ gap at the floor
9′104⅝″One foot longer than the 8′ precut
10′116⅝″Two feet longer than the 8′ precut

Studs per Wall Length

On-center studs only, before corners, tees and openings.

Wall12″ o.c.16″ o.c.24″ o.c.

Tips for Framing Walls

Lay out studs from one end of the wall so sheathing and drywall edges land on stud centers: 16″ spacing fits 4′ sheets exactly. Some builders use three studs at corners and some use two with drywall clips, so adjust the extras to your method. Exterior walls, bearing walls and headers must meet your local code.