Drywall
Panels, screws and tape for cladding the light-gauge steel frame.
OpenMetal Stud Calculator
Calculate the number of metal studs, track lengths, cladding panels and screws for a light-gauge steel-framed partition wall.
What this calculates
Calculates wall area, number of vertical studs, total linear meters of track (top + bottom), number of cladding panels for one face (with waste), and estimated screws.
Formula used
Studs = ceil(length ÷ spacing) + 1 (end stud). Track = 2 × length. Panels = ceil(area × (1 + waste%) ÷ panel area). Screws = panels × 28.
Worked example
A wall 5 m × 2.6 m, studs at 40 cm, 1.2 m × 2.4 m panels, 10% waste: studs = ceil(5 ÷ 0.40) + 1 = 14. Track = 10 m. Panel area = 2.88 m². Panels = ceil(13 × 1.10 ÷ 2.88) = ceil(4.97) = 5. Screws = 140.
Standard spacings
400 mm (16 in) o.c.: standard for 12.5 mm drywall. 600 mm (24 in) o.c.: acceptable for 15 mm drywall in non-structural partitions. 300 mm (12 in) o.c.: heavy-duty, tile backing or high-traffic areas.
When not to use this calculator
Load-bearing metal stud walls, exterior sheathing systems, seismic or high-wind applications require structural engineering. This calculator is for non-structural interior partitions only.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the wall length and height in meters (use the imperial toggle to enter in feet and inches).
- Set the stud spacing — 400 mm (16 in) OC is standard for 12.5 mm drywall; 600 mm (24 in) for 15 mm board in lightweight partitions.
- Enter the panel dimensions — the default is 1.2 m × 2.4 m (4 ft × 8 ft); adjust if your market uses a different size.
- Set the waste factor for panels — 10% is typical for square walls; increase for walls with many openings.
- Click "Calculate metal stud wall" to get stud count, track length, panel count and estimated screws instantly.
Material guide: studs, tracks and screws
Light-gauge steel (LGS) framing consists of two main components:
- Studs (vertical members): C-shaped or U-shaped profiles that run floor to ceiling. Common widths: 48 mm, 70 mm, 92 mm. Wider studs allow thicker insulation and provide greater lateral stiffness. For walls above 3 m, use heavier-gauge or wider profiles.
- Tracks (top and bottom runners): U-shaped channels that form the floor and ceiling plates. Length of track = 2 × wall length (one top, one bottom). The studs slide into the tracks and are secured with crimping pliers or self-drilling screws.
- Drywall screws: Type S screws (sharp point) for metal framing, typically 25 mm or 32 mm long for single-layer 12.5 mm board. Use 51 mm screws for double-layer. Spacing: 200–250 mm at edges, 300 mm in the field.
Acoustic and fire-rated assemblies
For standard non-structural partitions, any stud gauge and standard drywall is acceptable. When acoustic or fire performance is required, the entire assembly — stud gauge, spacing, board type, number of layers, resilient bars and seals — must follow a tested and certified system:
- Acoustic: Double-stud walls with mineral wool insulation achieve STC 50–65 (or Rw 50–65). A single-stud wall with insulation typically reaches STC 40–46.
- Fire-rated: 1-hour EI or F60 assembly typically requires two layers of 12.5 mm Type X (fire-rated) drywall on each face. The stud gauge, spacing and fastener pattern are fixed by the tested system.
This calculator estimates quantities for a single-layer, non-rated partition. Always refer to the gypsum board manufacturer's system data for rated assemblies.
Frequently asked questions
What stud spacing for drywall?
400 mm (16 in) for 12.5 mm board, 600 mm (24 in) for 15 mm board. Check the drywall manufacturer's span table.
How many screws per drywall sheet?
About 28 screws for a standard 1.2 × 2.4 m sheet at 400 mm stud spacing. This calculator uses that figure.
What is the difference between studs and tracks?
Studs are vertical members; tracks are horizontal channels at floor and ceiling that the studs slot into. Each wall needs 2 × wall length of track.
Can I use 600 mm spacing?
Yes for non-structural partitions with 15 mm drywall — fewer studs, lower cost. Verify with local code and board manufacturer.
How many metal studs for a 10-foot wall at 16 in OC?
A 10 ft (3.05 m) wall at 16 in (400 mm) on center needs one stud every 400 mm plus one at each end. That gives: ceil(3.05 ÷ 0.40) + 1 = 9 studs. Plus two track lengths of 10 ft (3.05 m) each — one for the floor and one for the ceiling. Enter your wall length and spacing in the calculator for an instant count.
What is the difference between 20-gauge and 25-gauge metal studs?
25-gauge (0.5 mm) is the lightest and most common for non-structural interior partitions under 10 ft tall. 20-gauge (0.8 mm) is heavier and used for taller walls, openings, and any application with higher load — including door frames and window headers. Check the framing manufacturer's span chart for your wall height and stud size.
Assumptions
- Panels calculated for one face only — double panels and screws for a two-face wall.
- Screws estimated at 28 per panel (standard 400 mm spacing layout).
- Does not include doors, windows, insulation, joint tape or compound.
- Non-structural interior partitions only.
Technical warning
Load-bearing or exterior steel stud walls, seismic design and fire-rated assemblies require engineering review and specific tested systems. Do not use this calculator for structural applications.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting the end stud — always add one stud at each end of the wall.
- Counting panels for only one face on a double-clad wall.
- Not accounting for door and window openings — add headers and extra studs around openings.
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