Wall studs in typical residential construction are usually spaced either 16 inches or 24 inches apart, measured "on center" (from the center of one stud to the center of the next). This means the distance from the middle of one stud to the middle of the next is commonly 16 or 24 inches
- 16 inches on center is the most common spacing in modern homes and is often required by building codes. It provides good structural support and aligns well with drywall and insulation dimensions
- 24 inches on center spacing is also used, especially in exterior walls or older homes, and can reduce material costs while allowing for more insulation. However, walls with 24-inch spacing may not bear as much weight as those with 16-inch spacing
Stud spacing can sometimes be irregular due to renovations or plumbing/electrical work, but 16 and 24 inches are the standard intervals
. In the UK, stud spacing is typically around 400 millimeters (about 15.75 inches) on center, with some variation depending on plasterboard thickness and building regulations
. In summary, wall studs are most commonly spaced 16 inches apart on center, with 24 inches also used in some cases depending on the wall type and construction practices
