Metal Stud Calculator — Steel Framing Estimator
Count light-gauge steel studs and track for commercial interior partitions. Supports 25, 20, and 18 gauge in 3-5/8 and 6-inch widths at 16 or 24-inch OC.
Enter Dimensions
Recommended: 10% for standard framing
Results
Studs Needed
15studs
Plate Pieces
2pieces
1 top plate + 1 bottom plate
Total Lineal Feet
167lin ft
Total lumber length to purchase
Wall Area
144sq ft
Editorial Standards
Each calculator is reviewed for formula accuracy, unit consistency, and alignment with current U.S. building practices before publication. We verify outputs against published engineering references and real-world project data. Learn more about our methodology.
Light-gauge steel studs dominate commercial drywall framing — offices, retail buildouts, hospital interiors, and most non-load-bearing partition work above grade. Compared to dimensional lumber, steel is dimensionally stable, fire-resistant, and lightweight, which is why it's the default in mid-rise and commercial Type V construction.
This calculator counts studs and track for a steel-framed wall. Logic mirrors the wood stud calculator but uses steel-stud nominal sizes (3-5/8″, 6″) and standard 25/20/18-gauge weights.
How to Count Metal Studs for a Partition
Stud count = ⌈Wall Length ÷ Spacing⌉ + 1, plus corner studs. Track = Wall Length × 2 (top + bottom) per wall section.
Common Metal Stud Specifications
- 3-5/8″ × 25 ga: standard interior partition, up to 9 ft height with 1/2″ drywall both sides.
- 3-5/8″ × 20 ga: taller interior walls up to 12 ft, demountable partitions, headers.
- 6″ × 20 ga: tall walls (14 ft+), demising walls with insulation and double drywall.
- 4″ × 18 ga: light structural, exterior curtain wall backing — engineered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What gauge metal stud should I use?
25-gauge is standard for non-load-bearing interior partitions in commercial drywall work. 20-gauge is heavier-duty for taller walls or load-bearing soffits. 18-gauge and 16-gauge are structural members; consult engineered drawings.
Are metal studs cheaper than wood studs?
Per piece, 25-gauge 3-5/8″ steel studs (≈ $4–6) are similar to 2x4 lumber (≈ $4–8). Steel doesn't shrink, warp, or rot — total cost of ownership is often lower for commercial drywall work.
Can I use metal studs in a load-bearing wall?
Only with engineered design — load-bearing cold-formed steel members require AISI S100 / IBC compliance. Most residential applications use metal only for non-load-bearing interior partitions.
How are metal studs spaced?
Same as wood: 16″ on-center for full-height partitions and where drywall thickness is 1/2″, 24″ OC where 5/8″ drywall or strapping is used. Always confirm with the project specs.
What size track do I order with metal studs?
Track is sized by web depth to match studs — 3-5/8″ studs go in 3-5/8″ track. Order top and bottom track at 1.0 × wall length each (no overlap needed).
Looking for the general calculator?
Calculate how many studs you need for any framing job. Enter wall dimensions and spacing for an instant piece count — supports 2×4 and 2×6 at 16 or 24-inch OC.
Open the Stud Calculator: Count Studs for Any Wall →