Stud Spacing & Wall Framing Calculator
Calculate the number of wall studs, top and bottom plates, headers, and framing lumber needed for any wall length and height. Supports 16" and 24" OC spacing.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter your wall length and height in feet
- Select the stud spacing (16" OC is standard for most walls)
- Enter the number of door and window openings
- Choose corner construction type (standard uses 3 studs per corner)
- Click "Calculate Framing Lumber" for a complete material list
How the Calculation Works
studs = ceil(wall_length_in / spacing_in) + 1
king_studs = (num_doors + num_windows) × 2
jack_studs = (num_doors + num_windows) × 2
cripple_studs = num_windows × 2
top_plates_lf = 2 × wall_length // double top plate
bottom_plate_lf = wall_length
corner_studs = 3 per standard corner
total_studs = studs + king_studs + jack_studs + cripple_studs + corner_studs Regular studs are placed at the chosen on-center spacing across the wall length. King studs flank each opening and run full height; jack studs support the header at shorter heights. Cripple studs fill above window openings. The double top plate requires 2× the wall length in linear feet of 2×4 lumber.
Variables:
- studs: Regular studs at chosen on-center spacing
- king_studs: Full-height studs flanking each door and window opening
- jack_studs: Shorter studs supporting the header under each opening
- cripple_studs: Short studs above window openings (not needed for doors)
- top_plates_lf: Linear feet of double top plate (2 plates per wall)
Pro Tips
- 16" on-center spacing is standard for exterior walls and load-bearing interior walls
- 24" on-center is acceptable for non-load-bearing interior walls and can save material
- Headers span door and window openings — size depends on opening width and load above
- Double top plate ties adjacent walls together and distributes loads — required on bearing walls
- King studs run full height; jack studs (trimmers) support the header and are shorter
Recommended Products
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard stud spacing for walls?
16 inches on-center (OC) is the most common spacing and required for most load-bearing walls and exterior walls. 24" OC is acceptable for non-structural interior partition walls and saves about 25% of stud material.
How do I count studs for a wall?
Divide wall length in inches by spacing in inches and add 1 for the end stud. Example: 10ft wall at 16" OC = (120 ÷ 16) + 1 = 8.5, round up to 9 studs. Then add king studs, jack studs, and corner studs separately.
What size header do I need for a 3-foot door opening?
For a 3ft (36") opening in a non-load-bearing wall, a doubled 2×6 header works. For a load-bearing wall, use a doubled 2×10 or 2×12 depending on span and load. Always consult local building codes.
How many studs do I need for a 10-foot wall?
A 10ft wall at 16" OC: (120 ÷ 16) + 1 = 8.5 → 9 studs. Plus end studs already included. At 24" OC: (120 ÷ 24) + 1 = 6 studs. Add extra studs for corners, openings, and intersecting walls.
What lumber size is used for wall framing?
2×4 studs are standard for interior walls and many exterior walls. 2×6 is required for exterior walls where you need thicker insulation (R-19 to R-21). Both use the same OC spacing rules.