Stud Wall Calculator
Spacing is set by the board, not the structure.
Spacing is set by the board, not the structure. Studs, plates, noggins and boards for a partition wall, with trimming studs for openings.
Studs to buy
15
13 needed · 43.2 m of timber in total
Stud spacing is set by the board, not the structure. 400 mm centres divide a 1,200 mm board into three and 600 mm into two, so both land on a stud, while 500 mm centres would leave every board edge unsupported, which is why nobody uses them. Openings need a pair of trimming studs each, plus a lintel over and a cripple stud under a window. This counts the trimmers; the head and sill timbers depend on the opening size and are worth adding separately. Noggins stiffen the wall and give something to fix to at mid-height. One row is normal for a 2.4 m wall; kitchens and bathrooms usually want more, positioned deliberately where cabinets, rails and radiators will be fixed rather than at a uniform height.
How the Stud Wall Calculator works
Studs, plates, noggins and boards for a partition wall, with trimming studs for openings. Spacing follows the board size — 400 and 600 mm both divide a 1,200 mm board onto a stud.
Also known as: how many studs for a wall · stud spacing 400 or 600 · timber for a partition wall · plasterboard sheets needed
Where to go next
The Stud Wall question rarely arrives on its own. These are the ones that usually come with it:
- Paint Coverage Calculator — The tin's coverage assumes a wall you probably do not have.
- Percentage Calculator — Every common percentage question in one place.
- Age Calculator — Exact age in years, months, days, and total units.
- Z-Score Calculator — Standard deviations from the mean, and the percentile that follows.
Frequently asked questions
What spacing should studs be at?
400 or 600 mm centres, because both divide a 1,200 mm board so every edge lands on a stud. 400 is stiffer and standard for most work; 600 saves timber where the loading allows.
How many studs do I need?
One per spacing along the wall plus one to close the end, plus a pair of trimming studs for each opening. A 4 m wall at 400 mm centres needs 11, plus two per door.
What are noggins for?
Stiffening the wall and giving something to fix to at mid-height. One row is normal for a 2.4 m wall, and it is worth positioning them where cabinets and radiators will actually go rather than at a uniform height.
Do I board both sides?
For a partition, yes, and the board count here assumes it. A single-sided wall is only used where the other face is being finished some other way.
What about soundproofing?
Mass and decoupling, not insulation alone. Two layers of board, mineral wool in the cavity and resilient bars make a large difference; insulation on its own makes a modest one.
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