Wall framing calculator
Calculate stud count, plate lengths, and layout for framed walls with openings.
No openings. Add doors or windows above.
Drop calc results into projects and quotes, invoice through your own Stripe, get paid. Built by a contractor.
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A standard framed wall consists of bottom plate, studs at regular spacing, and a double top plate. Studs are typically spaced 16" on center for exterior and load-bearing walls, or 24" for non-load-bearing interior partitions.
Framing Around Openings
Each door or window opening requires additional framing members:
- King studs — Full-height studs on each side of the opening
- Trimmer studs (jack studs) — Shortened studs that support the header, nailed to the king studs
- Header — Horizontal beam above the opening that transfers load around it
- Cripple studs — Short studs above the header (and below the sill for windows) to maintain stud spacing
Pre-Cut Stud Lengths
- 92-5/8" — Standard pre-cut for 8' walls (96" - 3 plates at 1.5" each)
- 104-5/8" — Pre-cut for 9' walls
- 116-5/8" — Pre-cut for 10' walls
A standard stud wall starts with a bottom plate on the floor and a double top platefor load-bearing walls (single top plate for non-bearing partitions). Studs are spaced at 16" or 24" on center depending on the wall's structural role. Door and window openings require additional framing — king studs, jack studs, a header sized for the span, and cripple studs above and below. This calculator handles all of that automatically based on your wall dimensions and opening sizes.
FAQ
How many studs for a wall?
For 16" on center spacing, use this formula: wall length in feet x 0.75 + 1. A 12-foot wall needs 10 studs. Add 2 king studs and 2 jack studs for each door or window opening, plus cripple studs above headers and below window sills.
16 vs 24 on center for walls?
16" on center is standard for load-bearing and exterior walls. 24" on center uses 33% less lumber and is allowed for non-bearing interior partitions and some single-story applications with engineering approval. 24" OC with 2x6 studs also allows R-19 insulation for better energy performance.
Do I need a header over a non-load-bearing wall opening?
Yes, but it can be much smaller than a load-bearing header. A single 2x4 or doubled 2x4 laid flat works for openings up to 4 feet wide. It just needs to span the opening to provide a nailing surface for drywall and casing.