Enter your wall length and stud spacing to get the number of studs plus the plate lumber for framing.
Adds 2 studs for corners/openings; real framing needs extra for windows, doors, corners, and blocking. Follow local code. Estimate only.
Studs sit at a set spacing — 16 or 24 inches on center — plus one to close the end. Plates run the full wall length top and bottom (the top is usually doubled), so plate lumber is the length times the number of plates.
Studs = ⌊length×12 ÷ spacing⌋ + 1 (+ corners) · Plate lumber = length × plates
A stud wall is simpler than it looks once you separate the two lumber jobs. Studs stand vertically at a fixed spacing; plates run horizontally along the top and bottom. The base stud count is ⌊wall length in inches ÷ on-center spacing⌋ + 1 (the “+1” closes the far end), and plate lumber is simply the wall length times the number of plates (usually a doubled top plate plus a single bottom = three lengths).
A 20 ft wall at 16 inches on center: 20 × 12 = 240 inches, ÷ 16 = 15, + 1 = 16 studs before extras. Plates: 20 ft × 3 = 60 linear feet of plate stock. Switch to 24-inch spacing (common in some non-load-bearing or advanced-framing walls) and the same wall drops to 11 studs — real lumber savings, but only where the plans and local code allow it.
Treat the calculator’s number as the base framing count and add for corners and openings before you buy. Follow the approved plans and local building code — spacing and structural requirements are not optional. Pouring a footing for that wall? The concrete calculator sizes it.
16" on center is the residential standard for load-bearing walls; 24" saves lumber and is common for some non-load-bearing or advanced-framing walls. Follow the plans and code.
Openings need king and jack studs, headers, cripples, and blocking — add material beyond this base count.
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