Stud & Framing Calculator
Enter the wall length and stud spacing to get how many studs and how much plate material to buy.
Wall
Stud count includes ~15% extra for corners, openings, and blocking.
You'll need
Studs
0
16" OC + 15% for corners/openings
Plate material (3 plates)0 linear ft
Plates are usually the same dimensional lumber as the studs. Add headers, jacks, and cripples for each opening.
How to count studs
Studs equal the wall length in inches divided by the on-center spacing, plus one, plus extras for corners and openings. Plates run the wall length once per plate (usually three: one bottom, two top).
Frame the takeoff straight from a scan
ProBuildCalc turns your iPhone's LiDAR scanner into a job-site measuring kit — walk the space and it captures the square footage, material takeoff, and a blueprint automatically. No tape measure, no graph paper.
Framing calculator FAQ
- How many studs do I need?
- Divide the wall length in inches by the spacing (16 or 24), add one for the end stud, then add ~15% for corners, openings, and blocking. A 20-ft wall at 16-in centers needs about 18 studs.
- What's the difference between 16 and 24 inch on center?
- 16-inch on center is the standard for load-bearing and most interior walls; 24-inch uses fewer studs and is allowed for some non-load-bearing and advanced-framing walls. Check your local code.
- How much plate material do I need?
- Most walls use 3 plates — one bottom and a double top — so plate lumber equals the wall length times 3. Multiply by 2 if you're using a single top plate.
- Do I need extra studs for corners and openings?
- Yes — corners, T-intersections, window and door openings (king studs, jacks, cripples) all add studs. This calculator adds about 15% to cover them.