This calculator helps you determine optimal stud spacing, plasterboard selection, and total materials needed for your stud wall project according to UK building standards. Most UK plasterboard is 1,200 mm wide, so spacing your studs correctly ensures the edges land cleanly on a stud. At 600 mm centres, you'll get a board joint every third stud, while 400 mm centres give support every second one.
In the UK, the spacing between studs in a stud wall is typically 400 millimetres on centre, which is referred to as "400 centres." This spacing is in line with the building regulations and standards in the UK, which specify the minimum spacing requirements for timber studs in walls. What is the stud spacing in the UK? Stud walls are typically built from one of two timber sizes: 63mm x 38mm or 89mm x 38mm.
63mm timber is the smallest and lightest stud wall timber size, ideal for lightweight walls when saving space is important. 89mm timber offers more strength and room for insulation, but it will usually be more expensive and its larger size will reduce the size of the room. Here at Fastbuild, we provide a wide range of metal stud and track and partition wall systems, including metal C studs and other essential materials at low trade prices.
What Size Timber Is Best for a Stud Wall? In the UK, these are the standard timber sizes used for stud walls: 38mm x 89mm CLS (Canadian Lumber Standard) - Most common for domestic, non-load-bearing walls 50mm x 100mm (2″x4″) - Ideal if extra insulation or strength is needed CLS timber is treated, smooth-edged, and easy to handle, making it ideal for interior partitioning. Pro tip. In my experience the most common are: 400mm centres (most stud wall spacing in the UK) 450mm centres 600mm centres In my career as a joiner, the most common spacing I have worked with, is 400mm centres.
This offers the most stability when fixing plasterboard and is the correct size to ensure boards land on the studs for fixing. Building a stud wall is a brilliant way to transform your home, offering a simple and effective solution for dividing spaces or adding extra rooms. Whether you're looking to create a cosy nook, add some structure, or even build an interior wall with a door, stud walls are incredibly versatile.
In the UK, standard panel sizes are 1200mm or 1220mm wide, whether you're using OSB, plywood, insulation boards, or plasterboard. If you space your studs at 600mm centres, those panels break cleanly across studs every 600mm. Are studs 600mm apart? Studs in a wall are typically spaced 400 millimeters (or approximately 16 inches) apart, although 600 millimeters (or approximately 24 inches) spacing may also be used in some cases.
How thick is a stud wall UK?
