Framing calculator
Studs, plates and headers from wall length and height, at whatever spacing you frame to.
Framing
Studs, plates and headers from wall length and height, at whatever spacing you frame to.
Sixteen inch centres unless the print says otherwise. Plates are three courses: one bottom, two top.
$739
176.0 linear ft of 2×4 stud, spruce at $4.20 / linear ft
Free. No signup. The quantities carry over as line items.
How this framing calculator works
Studs, plates and headers off wall length and height, at whatever spacing the print calls for. The stud count is the number that drives the order.
The formula
studs = ⌈length × 12 ÷ spacing⌉ + 1 · plates = length × 3 · order = length × (1 + waste)
Assumptions and defaults
| Default spacing | 16 in centres |
| Plates | three courses — one bottom, two top |
| Default waste | 10% |
Pro tips
The plus-one on the stud count is the end stud. Corners, tees and openings all need more than the spacing maths gives you — add them from the plan.
Bottom plate on concrete has to be pressure-treated. It is a different price and a different order line.
Twenty-four inch centres saves lumber and costs you drywall — ½ in board sags between 24 in studs on a ceiling.
Common questions
How many studs do I need?
Wall length in inches divided by your spacing, plus one. A 160 ft wall at 16 in centres is 121 studs before corners and openings.
16 or 24 inch stud spacing?
Sixteen for most walls and anything carrying load. Twenty-four is allowed in some non-bearing and advanced-framing situations and it saves real lumber.
How much lumber for a 10 × 10 wall?
A 10 ft wall at 16 in centres is 9 studs plus corners, and 30 linear feet of plate stock for three courses.
What is the third plate for?
The double top plate. It ties walls together at the corners and carries the load between studs where joists and trusses do not line up.