Stud Calculator
Your estimate
- Plate length
- 120 ft36.6 m
- Estimated cost
- $230
Framing for one or more walls: studs at 16 or 24 in on center, extras for doors, windows and corners, and the plates.
Updated 2026-10-20 · Based on: standard lumber and sheet sizes.
How to use the Stud Calculator
- Enter the total wall length.
- Choose the spacing (16 in on center is standard).
- Count the openings and corners.
- Read studs and plate boards.
Formula
Studs = wall length ÷ spacing + 1, plus 2 per opening (king and jack studs) and 2 per corner, plus waste.
Plates = wall length × 3 (double top plate + bottom plate).
Worked example
With the values preset in the calculator above:
- Total wall length
- 40 ft
- Spacing
- 16 in
- Doors & windows (area)
- 3
- Corners
- 2
- Plates (top + bottom)
- 3
- Plate board length
- 16 ft
- Extra for waste
- 10 %
- Studs
- 46
- Plate length
- 120 ft (36.6 m)
- Plate boards
- 8
- Estimated cost
- $230
Frequently asked questions
How many studs for a 40 ft wall?
At 16 in on center with 3 openings and 2 corners: 46 studs including 10 % waste.
Is it one stud per foot?
A rough rule is one stud per linear foot of wall at 16 in spacing, which already covers corners and openings.
16 or 24 inch stud spacing?
16 in is standard for load-bearing walls; 24 in (advanced framing) saves lumber where code allows.
More calculators
Estimates only — check quantities with your supplier and local building code before you order.