Stud Calculator – Number of Studs Required
Our stud calculator will help you determine the material you need, account for wastage, and give you a price estimate.
Stud Calculator for Framing
Enter the wall length and select the on-center spacing to calculate the stud framing:
To determine how many studs you need, select your on-center spacing and input the wall length in feet. You can also account for wastage and provide the price per stud for a total cost estimate.
If you’d prefer to make your own calculations, try this framing stud formula:
Number of studs required = (length of the wall in inches/on center spacing) + 1
Once you know the number of studs required for framing, multiply that by the price per stud.
The total price of studs = number of studs x price of individual stud
Refer to the table below to see how many 2×4 studs you’ll need for standard wall lengths.
| Wall Size | Number of Studs (16" OC) | Number of Studs (19.2" OC) | Number of Studs (24" OC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 ft x 8 ft | 5 | 5 | 4 or 5 |
| 8 ft x 10 ft | 6 | 6 | 5 or 6 |
| 8 ft x 12 ft | 7 | 7 | 6 or 7 |
| 10 ft x 8 ft | 6 | 6 | 5 or 6 |
| 10 ft x 10 ft | 7 | 8 | 6 or 7 |
| 10 ft x 12 ft | 8 | 9 | 7 or 8 |
| 12 ft x 8 ft | 7 | 7 | 6 or 7 |
| 12 ft x 10 ft | 8 | 8 | 7 or 8 |
| 12 ft x 12 ft | 9 | 9 | 8 or 9 |
How Far to Space Studs
OC spacing is a construction term referring to the distance between the centers of two adjacent studs. The most common stud spacing is 16 inches. Other standard OC stud spacing is 19.2 or 24 inches.
A 2 x 4 is the most common size of lumber or steel for studs, although these boards actually measure 1.5 inches thick and 3.5 inches wide. In rare situations, you can use a 2 x 6 or 2 x 8. Our stud calculator is for 2 x 4 studs.
Stud Formula: An Example
To determine how many studs you need for a wall, measure the wall and convert the measurement to inches. For example, if your wall is 12 feet long, you’ll need to multiply it by 12 since there are 12 inches in a foot. That would make your wall 144 inches.
Your formula would look like this:
- Studs needed = (144/16) + 1
- Studs needed = 9 + 1
- Studs needed = 10
You must add one to the stud total to ensure you have a stud for each end of the wall.
Once you know the number of studs needed, multiply by the cost per stud. For example, if the stud is $3.99 and you need 10, the total cost will be $39.90 plus tax.
FAQs
Do I put studs every two feet?
The most common stud spacing is 16 inches from center to center. But 19.2 inches and 24 inches are also acceptable in most situations.
How to save money on studs?
A possible way to save money on studs is to use 2 x 6’s and place your studs 24 inches apart.
Are there building codes for stud spacing?
There are building codes for stud spacing. Refer to your local building codes or check out the regulations for studs from the ICC.