Stud Wall Calculator

Work out how many studs you need for a wall, based on wall length, wall height and center spacing (on-center).

Number of studs
8
4 m wall, 600 mm spacing
Meters of stud timber
19.2 m
Meters of plate
8.0 m
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How to use the stud wall calculator

  1. Enter the length and height of the wall you're building.
  2. Enter the desired center spacing in millimeters — 600 mm is standard for most interior walls.
  3. The calculator shows the number of studs, plus how many running meters of stud timber and plate you need.

How the number of studs is calculated

The calculator divides the wall length by the center spacing, rounds up, and adds one extra stud at each end:

Number of studs = (Wall length ÷ Center spacing) + 1

Meters of stud timber is found by multiplying the number of studs by the wall height. Meters of plate is calculated as twice the wall length, since both the top and bottom plate run along the entire wall.

Note: 600 mm center spacing is standard for most interior walls — the calculation doesn't account for extra studs around doors, windows or corners, which must be added manually.
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Frequently asked questions

What's a common center spacing for stud walls?

600 mm (16" is the closest imperial equivalent) is most common for interior walls in homes, and works well with standard panel widths like 1200 mm. Load-bearing walls can have 400 or 600 mm spacing depending on structural requirements.

Do I need extra studs around doors and windows?

Yes, openings for doors and windows require extra studs and often a header to stiffen the structure. This must be added on top of the calculated number in this calculator.

What's the difference between a stud wall and a timber-framed wall?

Both terms describe essentially the same build-up, with vertical studs between a top and bottom plate. "Timber frame" is often used for load-bearing exterior walls, while "stud wall" is often used for non-load-bearing interior walls.

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