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What is a stud and how do you find one?
A stud is a vertical framing member inside a wall; a screw driven into one can hold 100 lb or more according to Bob Vila, depending on the screw (check its pack). Find studs with an electronic or magnetic finder, or by tapping, then add 16 or 24 inches to find the next.
Diagram: studs 16 inches on centre. Schematic.
Finding studs
| Method | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic finder | Detects the stud behind drywall | TOH |
| Magnet finder | Catches on the metal screws fastened into studs | TOH |
| Tap | A solid sound indicates a stud; confirm with a nail | TOH |
| Clues | Baseboards and electrical boxes are usually attached to studs | TOH |
| Spacing | 16 or 24 in on centre; older homes usually 16 | TOH |
Where the next studs fall
Once you find one stud, add 16 or 24 inches repeatedly. First stud found at the distance shown, measured from a corner along the wall, in inches. Real walls vary, so verify each with a finder.
| First stud (in) | Next studs at 16 in | Next studs at 24 in |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | 12, 28, 44, 60, 76 | 12, 36, 60, 84 |
| 20 | 20, 36, 52, 68, 84 | 20, 44, 68, 92 |
A single screw into a stud can hold 100 lb or more, depending on the screw (BVA); check its pack. That is far above any hollow-wall anchor, which is why a stud is the first choice for heavy pieces.
Sources
- This Old House: how to hang something heavy (fetched 2026-11-12)
- Bob Vila: how to install a drywall anchor (fetched 2026-11-12)
Figures from these pages are paraphrased and re-checked on 2026-11-12. Where two sources disagree, both figures are shown. Hardware and wall products vary, so follow the pack instructions.