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Lumber & Plywood Calculator

Estimate dimensional lumber for framing and plywood sheets for sheathing. Calculate studs, joists, plates, and material quantities for your construction project.

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Accounts for cutting waste and errors

Complete Material Summary

Wall Framing
13 studs
+ 5 plates
$111.50
Floor Joists
10 joists
120 linear ft
$80.00
Total Project Cost$191.50

Includes 10% waste allowance

Wall Framing Calculator

10.0 feet
8.0 feet

Material List

2×4 Studs (8 ft)13
2×4 Plates (8 ft)5
Headers2×6 x 3
Total Linear Feet137 ft

Cost Estimator

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$
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Estimated Total Cost$111.50
Studs: $45.50 • Plates: $30.00 • Headers: $36.00

Framing Basics

Stud Spacing

Standard spacing is 16" OC (on center). Use 24" OC for non-load-bearing walls to save material.

Wall Plates

Every wall needs three plates: bottom plate, top plate, and cap plate for connecting walls and distributing loads.

Headers

Install headers above doors and windows to carry loads around openings. Size depends on span width.

Plywood Sheathing

Standard sheets are 4×8 feet. Plan layout to minimize cuts and waste. Always add 10-15% for cutting waste.