10 Minute BidsFraming lumber calculatorStuds, plates and headers for a wall.
Enter the wall's length and height, the stud spacing, the corners, and the windows and doors. You get the studs, cripples, headers and plate at a simple rule, step by step.
Your estimate
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| Layout studslength ÷ spacing, rounded up, + 1 | — |
|---|---|
| Corner studs2 a corner | — |
| King and jack studs2 + 2 an opening | — |
| Studs | — |
| Studs to buy | — |
| Stud lengthwall height − three 1½ in plates | — |
| Cripplescut from the studs the openings replace | — |
| Headersrough opening + 3 in each | — |
| Header stocktwo plies | — |
| Plate1 bottom + 2 top | — |
| Plate pieces | — |
How we got it
Skip the math — upload your plans. We measure it all on a 3D model of your house.
Priced per plan setFraming takeoff, 3D model included
Upload your plansThis counts one wall's studs and plates. The full framing takeoff also covers headers sized for their spans, floor joists, rafters or trusses, sheathing, blocking, hardware and nails. Upload your plans and every stick goes on a cut list, drawn in 3D.
This is an estimate at a simple rule. Plans don't show field changes: walls moved on site, extra blocking, or framing an engineer or inspector asks for. Size headers from your plans or the code's span tables. Confirm before you order.
The framing formulas.
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Layout studs
One at the start, then one every spacing to the end.
studs = wall length in inches ÷ spacing, rounded up, + 1 -
Corners and openings
Each corner adds 2 studs. Each opening adds 2 king studs and 2 jack studs. The studs that would stand in the opening aren't taken out: they're cut into cripples above the header, and below a window's sill.
studs = layout + 2 × corners + 4 × openings -
Extra
For crooked studs, blocking and backing.
to buy = studs × (1 + extra %), rounded up -
Plates and headers
One bottom plate and a double top plate. Each header spans the rough opening and bears on the jacks.
plate = 3 × wall length · header = rough opening + 3 in, two plies
Worked exampleA 40 ft wall at 16 in: 480 ÷ 16 = 30, + 1 = 31 layout studs. 2 corners add 4 and three openings add 12: 47 studs, 52 with 10% extra. Plate: 3 × 40 = 120 ft, eight 16 ft pieces.
| Wall | 12 in o.c. | 16 in o.c. | 24 in o.c. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 ft | 9 | 7 | 5 |
| 10 ft | 11 | 9 | 6 |
| 12 ft | 13 | 10 | 7 |
| 16 ft | 17 | 13 | 9 |
| 20 ft | 21 | 16 | 11 |
| 24 ft | 25 | 19 | 13 |
| 30 ft | 31 | 24 | 16 |
| 40 ft | 41 | 31 | 21 |
Before corners, openings and extra.
Skip the math —upload your plans.
We build the house in 3D from your plan set and count every stud, plate, header, joist, rafter and truss on a cut list, with sheathing, hardware and nails. You spend about 10 minutes checking it against your plans.
Priced per plan setFraming takeoff, 3D model included
Or see what’s in a framing takeoff.
Framing lumber questions.
How many studs do I need for a wall?
Wall length in inches ÷ stud spacing, rounded up, plus one. Then add 2 for each corner and 4 for each opening, 2 king and 2 jack studs. A 40 ft wall at 16 inches on center is 480 ÷ 16 = 30, plus 1 = 31 studs before corners and openings.
Do I subtract studs for windows and doors?
No. The studs that would stand in the opening are cut into cripples above the header and below a window's sill, so they stay in the count.
How much plate do I need for a wall?
Three times the wall length: one bottom plate and a double top plate. 40 ft of wall takes 120 lineal feet of plate.
What does a full framing takeoff include?
Headers sized for their spans, floor joists, rafters or trusses, sheathing, blocking, hardware and nails, on top of the studs and plates. Upload your plans and every stick goes on a cut list, drawn on a 3D model.
Is this an exact lumber order?
No. It's an estimate at a simple rule. Plans don't show field changes: walls moved on site, extra blocking, or framing an engineer or inspector asks for. Confirm before you order.