Q: How far apart are studs in a wall? Most wall studs are spaced 16 inches apart on center; however, they can also be spaced at 24 inches. That said, spacing isn't always exact. Studs can bow and twist up to 1 inch in either direction as a home settles.
Stud spacing is normally 16 inches in exterior walls, although 24-inch spacing of 2×4 studs is acceptable in one-story buildings if wall sheathing or siding is of adequate thickness to bridge across studs.
To summarize, studs at 24-inch spacing will save money and resources, and are safe. With 2x6s, it's a no-brainer for most residential construction—they're plenty strong in nearly any configuration. With 2x4 studs you can also get by with 24-inch spacing, but walls should be 9 feet tall or less and the loads modest.
Wall Stud Spacing: Average Distance Between Stud
The most common, and standard distance between wall studs is 16-inches. So if you don't know how to space your studs then space them at 16-inches. This is what most contractors use for all wall studs.
Stud Spacing
Another important factor is studs, which are generally required to be no further than 16 inches apart in most homes. Within sheds, though, some builders will stretch this to 24 inches to save on their costs, and because building codes are not the same for these buildings.
Most wall studs are spaced 16 inches apart on center; however, they can also be spaced at 24 inches.
16-inch stud spacing is the industry standard for residential wall framing. The reason for this is structural but also because materials are made in 8ft and 16ft lengths. For example, drywall is attached directly to the studs and comes in 8-foot lengths.
Why is this 16 inch stud spacing so important? The first and most obvious reason for 16 inch stud spacing is that this is what most building codes call for in terms of structural integrity. It is worth noting however, that some applications might call for something different.
Studs, or the vertical members of walls, are typically spaced every 16 inches (generally called 16 inches on center, or 16” OC).
Typical dimensions of today's "two by four" is 1.5 by 3.5 inches (38 mm × 89 mm) dimensional lumber prior to sanding and are typically placed 16 inches (406 mm) from each other's center, but sometimes also at 12 inches (305 mm) or 24 inches (610 mm).
Locate several studs and measure between them to confirm they have typical wall stud spacing of 16 or 24 inches. If you get a different measurement, you've likely located something other than a stud. Items such as ducts, electrical wires and water pipes may be in the walls in your work area.
In some jurisdictions, particularly in hurricane zones, 16-inch on-center is the maximum stud spacing allowed; check with local code officials. This 2x6, 24-inch on-center stud spacing is one of many components of advanced wall framing that reduce costs and provide materials and energy savings.
The Building Code for stud spacing in house construction is 16 inches on center. Yet, some shed builders will stretch that to 24 inches on center because, after all, they aren't building a home and they want to save a few dollars.
When a home is framed, the wall studs are usually spaced 16 or 24 inches apart. If you start in a corner and measure out 16 inches and you don't find a stud, you should find one at 24 inches.
In nonbearing exterior walls, 2x6 studs spaced at 24 in. on center can be up to 20 feet in height (Table 3).
Cut a hole in the drywall large enough to fit a piece of wood or metal to span the distance between the studs. Cut a piece of wood or metal to fit the measurements and attach it to the studs using screws. Drill additional pilot holes into the wood or metal and attach the TV mount to the wood or metal using screws.
The studs in most framed homes are positioned between 16 or 24 inches apart. For some of the more modern homes, the distance between studs can be around 14.5 inches. Now, the width of each stud for homes built before 1965 is usually 2-inches wide.
Studs in older homes are generally 16 to 24 inches apart. Check which side of your outlet is attached to the stud and measure off the next 16-24 inches to find the next one.
Best Stud Finder App for iOS and Android
Stud finder app for iOS and Android brings the simplicity and effectiveness of a real stud detector tool to your iPhone or Android device. The app uses your device's compass (magnetometer sensor) to pinpoint metal studs, nails, and screws embedded in all wood wall studs.
The standard widths for drywall metal studs are 1-5/8″ (162S125), 2-1/2″ (250S125), 3-5/8″ (362S125), 4″ (400S125), and 6″ (600S125). Standard lengths are 10′, 12′ and 14′. Other lengths available upon request.