Sixteenth
Stud Calculator
Enter the wall length and the stud spacing. You get the stud count, the plate length and every layout mark to read straight off a tape.
Lengths like 14' 6", 174 in or 4.4 m. Plain numbers are feet here.
How stud layout works
The first stud sits flush with the end of the wall. Every other stud is placed so its center lands on a multiple of the spacing (16", 32", 48"…), the marks printed on most tapes. That way the edge of every 4' × 8' sheet of drywall or sheathing falls on the middle of a stud. The last stud sits flush with the far end.
The marks above are the near edge of each stud, measured from the starting end: half a stud (3/4") short of each on-center mark. Hook your tape on the end of the plate, mark each one, and put an X on the far side of the line.
studs ≈ length ÷ spacing, rounded up, + 1
Add studs for each corner (2–3), for each door or window (two king studs, two jack studs and cripples), and for blocking where cabinets or grab bars will hang.
Questions
How many studs do I need for a wall?
For 16" on center, a quick estimate is one stud per foot of wall. The exact count is the wall length ÷ spacing, rounded up, plus one. Then add studs for corners (2–3 each), and king and jack studs at each door and window.
Why are the marks at 15-1/4", 31-1/4" and so on?
The marks are the near edge of each stud. Pulling each mark back 3/4" (half a stud) puts the stud's center on 16", 32", 48", so the edges of 4' × 8' sheets land in the middle of a stud.
How many plates does a wall need?
Usually three: one bottom plate and a double top plate. Multiply the wall length by 3 for the plate stock.