Stud / Framing Calculator
Calculate studs for a straight wall from length, spacing, and whether you need plates and corners.
Studs to buy
20 studs
16 layout studs + 4 extras · 8 ft height
- Layout studs
- 16
- Plate boards (8 ft)
- 9
- Estimated stud cost
- $85.00
- Spacing
- 16" OC
Does not include door/window king/jack studs or header material. Add those from your opening schedule.
How this calculator works
Standard framing places studs 16 inches on center. Count openings carefully - doors and windows still need jack and king studs.
This tool estimates a basic straight wall: studs at your spacing, plus top/bottom plates, with an option for corner/end studs.
studs ≈ floor(wall length ÷ spacing) + 1
- 16" OC is common for load-bearing walls
- 24" OC appears in some non-bearing walls
- Add extras for corners, T-intersections, and headers
Frequently asked questions
How many 2x4s for a wall?
For a 20-foot wall at 16" on center, you need about 16 studs (including ends), plus plates. Always buy a few extras for bracing and mistakes.
What does 16 on center mean?
Stud centers are 16 inches apart. That spacing lines up with 48-inch-wide drywall and sheathing for solid fastening edges.
Do plates count as studs?
No. Plates are separate boards running horizontally. This calculator lists plate boards so you can buy them with your stud package.
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