Metal Stud
Steel studs and track for the light-gauge partition frame.
OpenDrywall Calculator
Calculate drywall panels, vertical studs, top and bottom track lengths, screws and joint tape for steel-frame partition walls.
What this calculates
Calculates wall area, cladding area (one or both sides), number of vertical studs, top and bottom track length, drywall panels, screws and joint tape.
Formula used
Studs = ceil(length ÷ stud spacing) + 1. Tracks = 2 × length. Panels = ceil(cladding area × (1 + waste) ÷ panel area). Screws ≈ 32 per panel. Tape ≈ 8 m per panel.
Worked example
A 5 m × 2.4 m wall, studs at 40 cm, clad on both sides: studs = 14, tracks = 10 m, cladding area = 24 m². With 10% waste: 26.4 m² ÷ 2.88 m²/panel = 10 panels, 320 screws, 80 m tape.
Stud spacing options
40 cm (16 in): standard residential, stiffer wall, better sound performance. 60 cm (24 in): lightweight non-structural partitions. Fire-rated or sound-rated assemblies may require specific spacings — check the system specifications.
When not to use this calculator
Multi-layer assemblies (double drywall for fire rating), curved walls, or partitions requiring acoustic or fire certification need specialized design and product-specific quantities.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the wall length and height in meters (or switch to feet with the imperial toggle).
- Set the stud spacing — 40 cm (16 in) is standard for 12.5 mm drywall; use 60 cm (24 in) for lightweight partitions with 15 mm board.
- Choose how many faces will be clad — 1 face for a wall against masonry, 2 faces for a free-standing partition.
- Enter your panel size if different from the default 1.2 m × 2.4 m (4 ft × 8 ft).
- Click "Calculate drywall" to get stud count, track length, panel count, screws and joint tape instantly.
Light-gauge steel framing standards
Light-gauge steel (LGS) partition framing is governed by different standards by region. The core dimensions remain consistent worldwide because they are driven by drywall panel sizes (typically 1.2 m wide) and stud span tables:
- ASTM C645 / C754 (USA): Defines non-structural steel stud dimensions and installation. 16 in (400 mm) OC is the standard spacing; 24 in (600 mm) is permitted for 5/8 in (15.9 mm) board under specific height limits.
- EN 14195 (Europe): Specifies metal framing components for gypsum board systems. Stud profiles are typically 48, 60, 75 or 100 mm wide; spacing 400 or 600 mm OC.
- AS/NZS 2589 (Australia / NZ): Gypsum lining application. Standard stud spacing 450 or 600 mm for partition walls.
- NCh 2258 (Chile): Metalcon® and equivalent light-gauge systems. 400 mm entraxe is standard for tabiquería with Volcanita® 12 mm.
For fire-rated or acoustic-rated assemblies, specific tested systems must be used — the stud size, spacing, board type and number of layers are all fixed by the system certification. This calculator does not apply to those assemblies.
When to consult a professional
This calculator is for non-structural interior partitions only. Involve a structural engineer or qualified contractor when:
- The partition will carry loads (cabinets, shelves, TV mounts with heavy point loads at heights above 2 m).
- The assembly must meet a fire rating (EI 30, EI 60 or higher) or an acoustic rating (STC or Rw).
- Wall height exceeds 3.5 m — longer studs require verification of lateral stability and potentially larger profiles.
- The partition is in a wet area (shower, pool enclosure) — specific moisture-resistant board and waterproofing systems are required.
Frequently asked questions
How many drywall sheets do I need?
Total cladding area with waste ÷ panel area (1.2 × 2.4 m = 2.88 m²), rounded up.
How far apart should studs be?
40 cm (16 in) for standard walls. 60 cm (24 in) for lightweight non-structural partitions.
How many screws per panel?
About 32 screws per 1.2×2.4 m panel is a common estimate for single-layer installation.
What is the standard drywall panel size?
1.2 m × 2.4 m (4 ft × 8 ft). Enter a different size if your panels differ.
How many sheets of drywall for a 12×12 room?
A 12 ft × 12 ft room (3.65 m × 3.65 m) with 8 ft (2.4 m) ceilings has approximately 350 sq ft (32.5 m²) of wall area before deductions. At 32 sq ft (2.98 m²) per 4×8 panel, that is about 11 panels for the walls plus 10% waste — approximately 13 sheets total. Use this calculator with your exact dimensions for a precise count.
What gauge metal studs should I use for interior partition walls?
25-gauge (0.5 mm) is standard for non-structural partitions under 10 ft (3 m) tall. Use 20-gauge (0.8 mm) for taller walls, door or window openings, and any framing that will carry concentrated loads. Always check local building code.
Assumptions
- Panel size: 1.2 m × 2.4 m (adjustable).
- Screws: ~32 per panel.
- Joint tape: ~8 m per panel.
- Does not include joint compound, primer, corner beads or insulation.
- No deductions for door or window openings.
Technical warning
Fire-rated or sound-rated partition assemblies require specific framing systems, board types and thicknesses. Do not use this estimate for code-compliance purposes.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting the bottom track screws into the floor — use concrete anchors if on slab.
- Not staggering vertical joints between front and back faces.
- Skipping corner bead and joint compound on outside corners.
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