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Calculate wall studs needed for framing projects. Includes corner studs, king and jack studs for openings, and plate calculations with accurate material estimates.
Standard height is 8 feet
Adds 3 studs per corner for proper framing
Adds 2 king studs + 2 jack studs per door
Adds 2 king studs + 2 jack studs per window
Bottom plate + double top plate
Where spacing is on-center distance, corners add 3 studs each, and openings add 4 studs each (2 king + 2 jack)
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Wall framing is the skeleton structure of a wall, typically made from dimensional lumber (usually 2x4 or 2x6 studs). The framing supports the wall covering, provides structural integrity, and creates spaces for insulation and utilities.
Key components of wall framing include:
Wall: 20 ft long, 16" OC spacing
Openings: 1 door, 1 window
Spacing studs = (20×12 ÷ 16) + 1 = 16
Door studs = 1 × 4 = 4
Window studs = 1 × 4 = 4
Total studs = 16 + 4 + 4 = 24 studs
Plates = 20 × 3 = 60 linear feet
Number of studs needed for various wall lengths at different spacing:
| Wall Length | 12" OC | 16" OC | 24" OC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 ft | 9 | 7 | 5 |
| 10 ft | 11 | 9 | 6 |
| 12 ft | 13 | 10 | 7 |
| 16 ft | 17 | 13 | 9 |
| 20 ft | 21 | 16 | 11 |
| 24 ft | 25 | 19 | 13 |
Does not include additional studs for corners or openings
A standard interior door requires a rough opening of 38" × 82" for a 36" × 80" door.
Materials: 2 king studs + 2 jack studs + header + cripples = minimum 4 additional studs
The standard stud spacing is 16 inches on center (OC), which means measuring from the center of one stud to the center of the next. Some non-load-bearing walls use 24" OC to save materials, while 12" OC is used for added strength.
A properly framed corner requires 3 studs. This provides adequate nailing surfaces on both sides of the corner and creates a strong structural connection between walls.
Most interior walls use 2x4 studs (actual size 1.5" × 3.5"). Exterior walls and walls containing plumbing often use 2x6 studs (actual size 1.5" × 5.5") for better insulation and pipe space.
The double top plate (two 2x4s stacked) adds strength, helps distribute loads across studs, and provides a surface to overlap and tie walls together at corners and intersections.
King studs run the full height from bottom plate to top plate beside openings. Jack studs are shorter, running from the bottom plate to the bottom of the header, providing direct support for the header weight.
Yes, but only if designed by an engineer and approved by building codes. 24" OC spacing requires proper header sizing, appropriate sheathing, and adequate support. Always check local building codes.
Plan for 10-15% extra studs to account for damaged lumber, mistakes, and future repairs. For large projects or inexperienced framers, 20% extra is recommended.
Cripple studs are short studs that fill in above and below window openings to maintain the standard spacing pattern. They support the rough sill below windows and the wall above window headers.
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