Lengths and board feet
Home centers usually stock 8 ft boards and precut studs. Longer lengths are common for plates, rafters and headers. Boards come in even-foot lengths. Board feet use the nominal 2 x 4 size.
| Length | Inches | Board feet | Linear feet |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft | 72 | 4.00 | 6 |
| 8 ft | 96 | 5.33 | 8 |
| 10 ft | 120 | 6.67 | 10 |
| 12 ft | 144 | 8.00 | 12 |
| 14 ft | 168 | 9.33 | 14 |
| 16 ft | 192 | 10.67 | 16 |
| 20 ft | 240 | 13.33 | 20 |
Precut studs
A stud for a wall is cut shorter than the ceiling height, because a wall has a bottom plate and a top plate or two, each 1-1/2 inches thick. The usual precut studs are:
| Ceiling height | Precut stud | Plates | Wall height |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 ft | 92-5/8 in | 1 bottom + 2 top (4-1/2 in) | 97-1/8 in |
| 9 ft | 104-5/8 in | 1 bottom + 2 top (4-1/2 in) | 109-1/8 in |
| 10 ft | 116-5/8 in | 1 bottom + 2 top (4-1/2 in) | 121-1/8 in |
The extra inch or so above the ceiling height lets a sheet of drywall or paneling fit under the plates, and keeps it off the floor. Buy studs for the ceiling height you have, and plates in the longer lengths.
Cutting your own studs from long boards
A 16 ft board gives 2 studs of 92-5/8 inches with 6.8 inches left over. A 12 ft board gives 1 stud of 92-5/8 inches and a 51-3/8 inch offcut that can be a cripple or a blocking piece. An 8 ft board (96 inches) gives only 1 stud.
Choosing a length
- Plates: 16 ft boards mean fewer joints. Three times the wall length in plate lumber.
- Headers and long spans: use the longest board that fits, so there is no splice.
- Transport: an 8 ft board fits in a pickup bed, a 16 ft board needs a rack and a flag.
Count the studs for a wall with the stud calculator. Convert a piece price to a price per board foot with the lumber cost calculator. For the real size of a 2x4, see the 2x4 lumber guide.
Frequently asked questions
What are the standard lengths of a 2x4?
8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 feet are the common lengths, with 20 ft and longer at some yards.
How long is a precut 2x4 stud?
92-5/8 inches for an 8 ft ceiling, 104-5/8 inches for 9 ft and 116-5/8 inches for 10 ft.
How many board feet are in an 8 ft 2x4?
5.33 board feet, using the nominal size.