Metal Stud Framing Calculator
Estimate steel studs, tracks, drywall boards, framing screws, drywall screws and anchors for a light-gauge metal stud partition (Durlock, Pladur, Tablaroca systems) from the wall length, height and stud spacing.
How it works
studs = (⌈length ÷ spacing⌉ + 1 + 2 per door) × pieces per height · tracks = ⌈(2 × length + 1.2 m per door) ÷ track length⌉ · boards = ⌈board area × 1.1 ÷ board area each⌉ · framing screws = 4 per stud · drywall screws ≈ 12–15 per m² of board · anchors = ⌈2 × length ÷ 0.6 m⌉
A drywall partition (Durlock, Pladur, Tablaroca and similar systems) is framed with a U-shaped track (solera, canal) fixed to the floor and ceiling and C-shaped studs (montantes) set into it at 40, 48 or 60 cm centres, plus an extra stud at each side of every door. Studs shorter than the wall height are spliced with an overlap of about 20 cm. Boards are counted from the boarded area with 10% for cuts; double layers are used for fire and sound ratings. Wafer-head framing screws join studs to tracks (about two per end on each face) and the board is screwed to every stud at 25–30 cm centres, which works out at roughly 12–15 screws per m² of board. Tracks are anchored to the slab about every 60 cm.
Worked example
A 5 m × 2.6 m partition boarded on both sides, studs at 40 cm, 2.60 m profiles: ⌈5 ÷ 0.4⌉ + 1 = 14 studs; tracks = 2 × 5 ÷ 2.6 = 3.8 → 4 pieces. Board area = 5 × 2.6 × 2 = 26 m², so 26 × 1.1 ÷ 2.88 = 9.9 → 10 boards of 1.20 × 2.40 m. Framing screws = 14 × 4 = 56; drywall screws ≈ 26 × 15 = 390; anchors = 10 ÷ 0.6 → 17.
Sources: Gypsum Association GA-216 Application and Finishing of Gypsum Panel Products · ASTM C754 Standard Specification for Installation of Steel Framing Members to Receive Screw-Attached Gypsum Panel Products
Frequently asked questions
How far apart are metal studs?
40 cm (16 in) is standard for walls that will carry tiles, shelves or two layers; 60 cm (24 in) is allowed for single-layer partitions of ordinary height. Some systems use 48 cm to match 1.20 m boards.
How many drywall screws per board?
About 30–35 per 1.20 × 2.40 m board with studs at 40 cm — screws every 25–30 cm on each stud — or roughly 12–15 per m².
What profiles do I need for a drywall partition?
Tracks (soleras or canales) at floor and ceiling, studs (montantes) between them, and for ceilings, perimeter angles and furring channels. Common widths are 35, 48, 70 and 90 mm; wider studs allow taller walls and more insulation.
How tall can a metal stud wall be?
Roughly 2.6–3 m for 35–48 mm studs at 40 cm, about 4 m for 70 mm studs and more for 90 mm or doubled studs — check the manufacturer’s height tables for your board and spacing.
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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.