Plan opening support studs using flexible inputs and clear results for framing. Compare single or doubled kings, include corners and ends easily on site.
Enter your wall details and opening configuration. Submit to see results above.
| Wall length | Wall height | Openings | King per side | Shared sides | Total king studs | King linear feet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 ft | 8 ft | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 32.00 |
| 30 ft | 9 ft | 3 | 2 | 1 | 10 | 90.00 |
| 16 ft | 8 ft | 1 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 32.00 |
A king stud is a full-height stud at each side of an opening. This calculator supports single, doubled, or tripled kings.
King studs are full-height members at the sides of framed openings. They transfer vertical loads from headers down to the bottom plate and help keep the jamb line straight during installation. A consistent strategy reduces drywall cracking and improves door and window operation.
Residential walls often use one king stud per opening side, while heavier loads, tall walls, or wide headers may call for doubled or tripled kings. In the calculator, “king studs per side” equals the number of plies on each side. A single opening with doubled kings uses 2 plies × 2 sides = 4 king studs.
Every opening has two sides, so total opening sides equal 2 × openings. When openings are mulled, the adjacent jamb can share structure, reducing distinct sides that need kings. The “shared sides” field subtracts these duplicates to avoid over-ordering.
Stud spacing (commonly 16 in or 24 in on-center) affects how many regular studs land along the wall length. While king studs are driven by openings, spacing influences the rough total stud estimate and whether a stud would fall within an opening area and be removed.
Linear footage converts counts into material quickly. The calculator multiplies king-stud quantity by wall height (feet) to provide total linear feet. This helps when ordering studs by length, planning waste, or converting to metric for mixed-unit jobs. Include a small allowance for waste, cuts, and crowned studs when purchasing bundles today.
Corners and ends can add multiple studs depending on backing needs and chosen corner detail. The optional corner and end settings help estimate these extras so a single-wall takeoff aligns better with site reality. Adjust corner studs per corner to match your standard.
Verify local requirements, load paths, and header schedules. Garage door openings, multi-story bearing points, and concentrated loads can require additional members beyond standard kings. If engineered details specify built-up jambs, set higher plies to match the intent.
CSV is best for estimate sheets and batch takeoffs, while PDF works well for printing. Save results with the wall label, opening count, and shared-side assumptions so revisions during framing reconcile cleanly.
Q: What is a king stud in wall framing?
A: A king stud is a full-height stud running from bottom plate to top plate beside an opening. It supports the header and provides a straight nailing surface for jambs and trim.
Q: How are king studs different from jack studs?
A: King studs are full height. Jack studs (trimmers) sit under the header to carry loads. Many openings use both: kings at the sides, jacks inside them, and a header on top.
Q: When should I use doubled or tripled kings?
A: Use more plies when loads are higher, walls are taller, headers are wider, or engineered details require built-up jambs. Match project drawings and local practice, then set “king studs per side” accordingly.
Q: What does “shared sides” mean?
A: If two adjacent openings are mulled together, the touching jamb can be shared. Count that jamb once by entering the number of shared sides, which reduces duplicated king-stud sides.
Q: Do opening widths change king stud totals?
A: King stud totals depend on opening count and sharing, not width. Widths are optional here and only refine the rough total-stud estimate by approximating how many regular studs are removed within openings.
Q: Why include corner and end studs?
A: Corners and wall ends often need extra studs for backing, tie-in, and sheathing edges. Adding them improves takeoff realism so your wall stud estimate aligns better with common framing details.
Q: How do the CSV and PDF downloads help?
A: CSV fits estimating spreadsheets and bulk takeoffs, while PDF is handy for printing and approvals. Downloaded results capture assumptions like shared sides and king plies, making later revisions easier to audit.
Accurate king stud counts help you frame openings confidently.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.