🔨 Framing Calculator
Calculate studs and plates needed for wall framing
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Wall Dimensions
Input the length and height of your wall in feet. Measure the total wall length and ceiling height where you'll be framing.
Specify Stud Spacing
Select stud spacing in inches OC (on center). Standard is 16 inches OC, but studs can be spaced at 12 inches (closer) or 24 inches (wider) depending on load requirements.
Calculate and Review
Click "Calculate Framing" to see studs needed, plates needed, and linear feet. Standard framing uses one stud at the start and one every spacing distance, plus top and bottom plates.
Order Materials
Order studs (typically 2×4 or 2×6) and plates (top and bottom) based on the calculated quantities. Add 10% extra for waste, corners, openings, and mistakes during installation.
Formula
Number of Studs = (Wall Length (inches) ÷ Stud Spacing (inches)) + 1
Plates Needed = 2 (top and bottom)
Stud Linear Feet = Number of Studs × Wall Height (feet)
Plate Linear Feet = 2 × Wall Length (feet)
Example 1: Standard Wall (20 ft × 8 ft, 16" OC spacing)
Step 1: Convert wall length: 20 ft = 240 inches
Step 2: Calculate studs: (240 ÷ 16) + 1 = 15 + 1 = 16 studs
Step 3: Calculate plates: 2 plates (top and bottom)
Step 4: Calculate stud linear feet: 16 × 8 = 128 linear feet
Step 5: Calculate plate linear feet: 2 × 20 = 40 linear feet
Step 6: Total linear feet: 128 + 40 = 168 linear feet
Example 2: Larger Wall (30 ft × 9 ft, 24" OC spacing)
Step 1: Convert wall length: 30 ft = 360 inches
Step 2: Calculate studs: (360 ÷ 24) + 1 = 15 + 1 = 16 studs
Step 3: Calculate plates: 2 plates
Step 4: Calculate stud linear feet: 16 × 9 = 144 linear feet
Step 5: Calculate plate linear feet: 2 × 30 = 60 linear feet
About Framing Calculator
The Framing Calculator is an essential tool for contractors, carpenters, builders, and DIY enthusiasts who need to accurately determine how many studs and plates are required for their wall framing projects. This calculator eliminates guesswork by providing precise stud counts based on wall dimensions and stud spacing, helping you order the right amount of materials without waste or shortages.
When to Use This Calculator
- New Construction: Calculate studs and plates needed for new wall construction projects
- Room Additions: Determine materials for room addition framing and wall construction
- Remodeling Projects: Estimate framing materials for remodeling and renovation projects
- Budget Planning: Calculate material costs by determining exact stud and plate quantities needed
- Contractor Estimates: Quick reference for contractors bidding framing projects
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Accurate Stud Count: Precise calculations prevent over-ordering or running short
- ✅ Plate Calculation: Automatically calculates top and bottom plates needed
- ✅ Linear Feet: Shows total linear feet needed for studs and plates separately
- ✅ Multiple Spacing Options: Supports different stud spacing (12, 16, 24 inches OC)
- ✅ Cost Planning: Helps budget accurately by determining exact material needs
- ✅ Time Savings: Instant calculations eliminate manual math and measurements
Common Applications
New Construction: Contractors and builders planning new construction use this calculator to order the correct quantity of studs and plates. Standard framing uses 2×4 or 2×6 studs at 16 inches OC with top and bottom plates, which this calculator helps determine accurately.
Room Additions: Homeowners and contractors planning room additions use this tool to estimate framing materials needed. Room addition framing typically uses similar dimensions to new construction but may require additional headers for openings.
Remodeling Projects: DIY enthusiasts and contractors planning remodeling projects use this calculator to determine framing quantities needed, ensuring sufficient materials are on-site before starting work.
Tips for Best Results
- Stud Spacing: Standard is 16 inches OC; closer spacing (12") uses more studs, wider (24") uses fewer
- Stud Size: Standard is 2×4 for interior walls, 2×6 for exterior walls (for insulation)
- Plates: Always need top and bottom plates (2 plates total per wall)
- Add Waste: Always add 10% extra for waste, corners, openings, and mistakes
- Corners and Openings: Additional studs may be needed for corners, doors, and windows
- Order Together: Order all studs from the same batch for consistency
Frequently Asked Questions
How many studs do I need for a 20-foot wall?
For a 20-foot wall with 16-inch OC spacing, you'll need 16 studs (one at the start plus one every 16 inches). With 24-inch OC spacing, you'd need 11 studs. Add 10% extra for waste, corners, and openings.
What is stud spacing OC mean?
OC stands for "on center" - it means the distance from the center of one stud to the center of the next stud. Standard spacing is 16 inches OC, meaning studs are spaced 16 inches apart from center to center.
What size studs should I use?
Standard studs are 2×4 (1.5" × 3.5") for interior walls and 2×6 (1.5" × 5.5") for exterior walls (to allow for more insulation). Use 2×6 for load-bearing walls or where extra insulation is needed.
Do I need to add extra studs for doors and windows?
Yes! You'll need additional studs (king studs, jack studs) and headers for door and window openings. The calculator provides the basic stud count; add extra studs for each opening (typically 2-4 studs per door, 2-4 per window).
What are plates in framing?
Plates are horizontal boards that run along the top (top plate) and bottom (bottom plate) of a wall. Top plate ties the wall together at the top, and bottom plate anchors the wall to the floor. You need one of each per wall.
Can I use 24-inch spacing instead of 16 inches?
24-inch OC spacing can be used for non-load-bearing interior walls, but 16 inches OC is standard and recommended for load-bearing walls and exterior walls. Check local building codes for requirements in your area.