This stud spacing calculator (also a handy stud calculator and wall framing calculator) works out how many studs, top and bottom plates and framing timber you need at 400 or 600 mm centres for any partition or load-bearing wall.
This stud spacing calculator is a quick stud calculator and wall framing tool: enter your wall length, height and the stud spacing (centres) and it works out how many studs, top and bottom plates, headers and noggins you need to frame the wall, including extras for door and window openings.
| Spacing (centres) | Where it is used | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 400 mm (16") | Load-bearing and external walls | Standard; suits 1200 mm plasterboard (3 fixings per board) |
| 600 mm (24") | Non-load-bearing partitions | Uses fewer studs; needs 12.5 mm+ plasterboard |
| 300 mm (12") | Heavily loaded / tiled walls | Extra support for heavy finishes |
| CLS size (nominal) | Actual size | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 3x2" | 38 x 63 mm | Light non-load-bearing partitions |
| 4x2" | 38 x 89 mm | Standard stud partitions |
| 4x2" (planed) | 38 x 89 mm | Most common UK stud wall size |
| 6x2" | 38 x 140 mm | Deeper walls, extra services/insulation |
For a 4.8 m partition at 400 mm centres: 4.8 ÷ 0.4 = 12, plus 1 = 13 studs for the basic run, before adding studs for corners and a doorway. You also need a bottom plate and a doubled top plate (about 3 × 4.8 m = 14.4 m of plate timber) plus one row of noggins. The calculator adds the opening and corner studs automatically.
Framing a whole room? Use the timber fastener spacing calculator for the fixings, the joist calculator for floors and ceilings, and the plasterboard calculator to board it out.
A stud spacing calculator (or stud calculator) works out how many vertical studs a wall needs based on its length and the spacing between studs, then adds the plates, noggins and extra studs for openings. This one gives you the full framing timber list.
400 mm (16") centres is standard for load-bearing and external walls. 600 mm (24") centres is common for non-load-bearing internal partitions.
Divide the wall length by the stud spacing and add one, then add extra studs for openings and corners. This stud calculator does all of that for you and includes the plates and noggins.
Yes, for load-bearing walls. Single top plates can be used on non-load-bearing walls if the joints and corners are properly tied.
Yes. As well as a stud spacing calculator it is a full wall framing calculator – enter the wall length, height and stud spacing and it works out the studs, top and bottom plates and framing timber you need.
