Framing Calculator
Computes the number of wall studs, plates, and headers needed for a given wall section
Total length of the wall in feet
On-center spacing between studs
Height of the wall in feet
Number of door openings in the wall
Number of window openings in the wall
Enter wall length to calculate studs needed
Linear feet for double top plate and single bottom plate
Number of headers for door and window openings
Total studs plus headers
Frequently Asked Questions
How many studs do I need for a wall?
For 16-inch on-center spacing, multiply the wall length in feet by 0.75 and add 1 for the end stud. A 20-foot wall needs about 16 studs for the field, plus extra for corners, intersections, and openings. For 24-inch spacing, multiply by 0.5 and add 1.
What is 16 inches on center?
Sixteen inches on center (16 OC) means the center of each stud is 16 inches from the center of the next stud. This is the standard spacing for load-bearing walls in residential construction. It aligns with standard 48-inch and 96-inch sheet goods.
How many plates does a wall need?
Standard wall framing uses three plates: one bottom plate (sole plate) and two top plates (double top plate). The double top plate ties wall sections together and provides extra support for floor or roof loads above. Total plate length equals wall length times 3.
What extra studs do doors and windows need?
Each door opening needs 2 king studs (full height), 2 trimmer studs (jack studs supporting the header), and a header. Each window also needs king studs, trimmer studs, a header, and a sill plate. Plan for 4-6 extra studs per opening.
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