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Framing Calculator

Find how many studs and plates a wall needs from its length and stud spacing.

Change the values and press Calculate to work out your own figures.

Enter the wall's length, the stud spacing and the end studs.

About lengthSize of this dimension.
About stud spacingOn center; 16 or 24 in.
About studs at each endExtra studs at corners and wall ends.
About platesHorizontal boards along the wall.
About plate board lengthStock length of plate boards.
About extra, % (optional)For waste, cuts or compaction; for example 10.
Result
Studs
11 studs
Plate boards
6 of 12 ft (3 plates)

The wall takes 11 studs.

Show the working
  1. studs = ⌈length ÷ spacing⌉ − 1 + 2 × end studs
  2. plate boards = ⌈length ÷ board length⌉ × plates

How to use it

Enter the wall's length, the stud spacing and the end studs.

Lengths can be decimals, fractions or tape entries such as 12' 6 1/2" (in feet or inches). Prices are optional.

Key facts

studs = ⌈length ÷ spacing⌉ − 1 + 2 × end studs
plate boards = ⌈length ÷ board length⌉ × plates

Openings

Each window or door adds king and jack studs, a header and cripples; corners and wall intersections need extra studs for backing.

Questions

How many studs for a 13 ft wall at 16 in?

11 studs with one at each end.

Formulas

studs = ⌈length ÷ spacing⌉ − 1 + 2 × end studs
plate boards = ⌈length ÷ board length⌉ × plates

Sources

Limitations

  • Material densities are typical values (the midpoint of the commonly published range); real loads vary with moisture, grading and compaction, so check with your supplier or type in their density.
  • Tank results are the geometric volume; real tanks have wall thickness and fittings.

Formula version 0.1.0Reviewed