Stud Wall Calculator
Last updated: 12 August 2026
Work out the timber for a stud partition wall: vertical studs, head and sole plates, and noggins. Choose 400 or 600mm stud centres and get the total metres of timber to order.
How the calculation works
Studs = wall length ÷ stud centres, rounded up, plus one for the closing stud. Plates run the full wall length top and bottom, so that is two times the length. Noggins fit between each pair of studs, so there is one fewer than the stud count per row.
Total timber adds the studs (height each), the plates and the noggins, then 10% for cuts. CLS timber at 38 × 63mm or 38 × 89mm is the usual UK choice; 89mm gives room for insulation and services.
Stud spacing and board thickness
| Stud centres | Plasterboard | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 400mm | 12.5mm | Standard partitions, tiled walls, anything taking fixings |
| 600mm | 12.5mm (min) | Light non-loadbearing partitions only |
400mm centres are strongly preferred: plasterboard is 1200mm wide, so it lands on a stud at 400 and 600mm both, but 400mm gives a much stiffer wall and far better fixing options for radiators, TVs and cabinets.
Do not forget
Add extra noggins wherever something heavy will be fixed — wall-hung TVs, radiators, basins and kitchen units all need timber behind the board. Drill and notch services carefully, and fit acoustic insulation between studs if the wall separates bedrooms or a bathroom.
Frequently asked questions
How far apart should stud wall studs be?
400mm centres is the UK standard for a stud partition and suits 12.5mm plasterboard. 600mm centres is acceptable for light non-loadbearing walls but gives a noticeably less rigid wall with fewer fixing points.
How many studs do I need for a 4 metre wall?
At 400mm centres, 4 metres needs 11 studs (4000 ÷ 400 = 10, plus one closing stud). At 600mm centres it needs 8.
What timber size is used for stud walls?
CLS timber at 38 x 63mm or 38 x 89mm is standard in the UK. The 89mm size gives more room for insulation and services and makes a stiffer wall, which is worth it for anything other than a small partition.
What are noggins and do I need them?
Noggins are short horizontal timbers fitted between studs. They stiffen the wall, support plasterboard joints and give fixing points. One row at mid-height is standard for a 2.4m wall, plus extra wherever heavy items will be mounted.
Do I need building regulations approval for a stud wall?
A non-loadbearing partition usually does not need approval on its own, but it can trigger requirements around fire escape, ventilation and habitable room sizes — for example, if it creates a new bedroom or blocks a window. Check with building control if in doubt.
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Estimates are for guidance only. Material dimensions, densities and coverage vary by supplier — always confirm quantities before ordering, and consult a qualified professional for structural work.