Calculators/ Framing & Exterior/Stud Calculator
Stud Calculator
Studs, plates and framing lumber for a wall.
Field studs are simple arithmetic, but the extras are what people forget. Corners, channels and every opening add studs that never show up in a spacing calculation.
How this is calculated
- Field studs = wall length in inches ÷ spacing, plus one for the closing stud at the end of the run.
- Each corner adds two studs for a standard three-stud corner. Each opening adds four: two king studs and two jack studs carrying the header.
- Plates are three times the wall length: a single bottom plate and a double top plate.
Frequently asked questions
Should studs be 16 or 24 inches on centre?
Sixteen inches is the residential standard and required for many wall finishes. Twenty-four inch spacing is used in advanced framing to save lumber, but needs thicker sheathing and careful drywall detailing.
How many studs for a 24 foot wall?
Nineteen field studs at 16 inch centres, plus extras for corners and openings. A typical 24 foot wall with two corners and two openings needs about 31 studs in total.
What is a king stud versus a jack stud?
The king stud runs full height beside the opening. The jack, or trimmer, is cut shorter and nailed to it to carry the header.