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Free calculatorNo signupShort answer: For studs 16 inches on center, divide the wall length in inches by 16, round up and add 1. A 12-ft wall needs 10 studs. Add 2 for each door or window and 2 for each corner, then 10% waste: a 12-ft wall with one window needs 14 studs, plus 3 plates (one bottom, two top).
Runs in your browser. Estimates only: check local code and your supplier.
Layout studs = (wall length in inches ÷ spacing), rounded up, + 1
Extras = 2 per door or window (king and jack studs) + 2 per corner or wall intersection
Studs to buy = (layout + extras) × (1 + waste)
Plates = 3 × wall length (one bottom plate and a double top plate)
This is a rule-of-thumb takeoff. Headers, cripples and blocking depend on opening sizes and are not included. Use 10% waste for crooked or split boards.
12-ft wall, 16 in on center, one window, no corners, 12-ft plate stock, 10% waste:
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"One stud per linear foot" is a quick overestimate for 16-inch framing that roughly covers corners, openings and waste. The formula above is closer for a single wall.
16 inches on center is the most common spacing for walls. 24 inches on center uses fewer studs and is allowed for many non-load-bearing and some load-bearing walls; check your local code.
Each opening needs full-height king studs and shorter jack studs that carry the header, which adds about 2 studs per opening beyond the regular layout.