Partitions
Timber stud partition: studs, plates and noggings
- where
- number of studs
- partition length (m)
- stud centres (mm)
- stud cut length (mm)
- floor to ceiling height (m)
- plate and stud thickness (mm)
- head and sole plate length (m)
- net nogging length (m)
- rows of noggings
Explain this equation
Gives a cutting list for a timber stud partition: studs, stud cut length, plate length and nogging timber.
Ns is the number of studs at centres s along length L. Ls is the stud length between the sole and head plates, which lie flat, so two plate thicknesses b come off the height H. Lp is the head and sole plate together. Ln is the nogging timber for r rows, each row being the wall length less the widths of the studs it runs between.
The 1000 converts metres to millimetres, and the ⌈ ⌉ with +1 gives a stud at each end. Dividing Ns × b by 1000 turns the total stud thickness back into metres before it is taken off L.
Sense check: a 4 m wall at 600 mm centres takes 8 studs; at 2.4 m ceiling height with 38 mm plates each stud is 2324 mm. One row of noggings is a little under the wall length.
Watch out: add a row at every horizontal board joint, and extra timber at openings and fixings for heavy items.
Cutting list for a non-loadbearing timber stud partition: studs, stud length between plates, plate length and nogging timber.
Enter your values to see the result.
Good to know
British Gypsum timber stud systems use 63 × 38 mm studs at 600 mm centres with head and sole plates and noggings. NHBC limits wall support centres to 600 mm for 12.5 mm and thicker boards and 450 mm for 9.5 mm board. Plates are laid flat, so the stud is the floor-to-ceiling height less two plate thicknesses. Put a row of noggings at every horizontal board joint and where fixtures (radiators, cupboards, handrails) need backing; one mid-height row is the usual minimum for stiffness. Nogging length is net of stud widths; allow extra for saw cuts and short ends.
Common mistake
Cutting studs to the full floor-to-ceiling height and forgetting the two plates, or leaving horizontal board edges unsupported.
Limits
Straight run, no openings. Add extra studs at openings and junctions and lintels or trimmers over doors. Timber should be at 20% moisture content or less before boarding (NHBC). Height, fire and sound performance come from the system specification.
Sources
- British Gypsum, Timber stud partition A026030 (63 × 38 mm studs at 600 mm centres, head and sole plates, noggings; 2 × 15 mm FireLine each side, 40 mm inner and 55 mm outer screws, 123 mm thick)
- NHBC Standards 9.2.4 Dry lining (Table 5 wall support centres, Table 6 ceiling support centres and noggings, Table 7 screw centres, Table 8 screw lengths)
Results are calculations from the published methods and manufacturer figures shown, and depend on the data you enter. Always follow the manufacturers’ system and product data, BS 8212, BS EN 13914 and Building Regulations. Coverage rates vary by product, background and thickness. Check prices, VAT and CIS rules with your own records and HMRC.