How many studs do I need for a 12 foot wall?

A 12 ft wall at 16-inch spacing needs about 10 studs plus plates and extras — the calculator adds doors, windows, corners and a 15% waste allowance.

Should I use 16 or 24 inch stud spacing?

16-inch spacing is standard for load-bearing walls and gives a stiffer wall; 24-inch saves lumber on non-bearing walls but check your local code.

Order 15% more studs than the exact count — you'll cull crooked ones at the yard and lose some to cuts around openings.

Pick your lumber — the math adjusts.

2×4 studs Interior walls & most exterior walls 2×6 studs Load-bearing & exterior — deeper for insulation

One wall at a time — corners and openings included.

Wall length (ft)

Wall height (ft)

We'll tell you what length studs to buy (precut vs. full-length).

Stud spacing

16" keeps drywall edges landing on studs. 24" saves lumber on non-load walls.

Doors

Windows

Corners

Each door adds king + jack studs, each window adds those plus sill cripples, each corner needs a 3-stud corner.

The horizontal lumber that ties it all together.

Top & bottom plates

Single bottom + double top plate (standard)

Wall sits on concrete

Bottom plate must be pressure-treated

Buy this many studs

– studs

💡 Pro field tips

🧰 Tools you'll need

Tap to check off as you load up.

Est. project cost (optional)

Price per stud ($)

Price per 8-ft plate ($)

Labor hours

Labor rate ($/hr)

Save to job log (optional)

File this lumber list under a job name or PO to track what to order. Leave blank to file under "General".

Estimates for planning only — confirm final quantities with your supplier and follow local building code.