Wall Framing Calculator
Count studs, plates and extras for framing a stud wall.
About the Wall Framing Calculator
Studs go at 16 in (or 24 in) on centre, plus one at the end. Each corner or wall junction adds about two studs, and each window or door needs a king stud and jack (trimmer) stud on both sides, plus cripples above and below windows. Walls have a bottom plate and a doubled top plate. Many builders add 10% for warped or cut-off pieces.
The formula
Studs = ⌊length ÷ spacing⌋ + 1 + 2 × corners + 2 × openings
Worked example
Example: Studs = 25
- Inputs: Units: Feet / inches; Wall length: 22; Stud spacing: 16 in (406 mm); Corners or wall junctions: 2; Windows and doors: 2; Plates: 3; Plate stock length: 18.
- Formula: Studs = ⌊length ÷ spacing⌋ + 1 + 2 × corners + 2 × openings
- Result: Studs = 25
Questions people ask
16 or 24 inches on centre?
16 in is standard for load-bearing walls; 24 in is allowed for some walls by code and saves timber.
What about cripple studs?
Add a few per window; they're short off-cuts.