What size nails for framing walls?

16d common nails (3.5") for face-nailing through plates. 10d or 8d for toenailing studs. Most framing nailers use 3.1" to 3.5" nails in stick or coil format.

How many nails per stud?

Two 16d nails each end (4 per stud for top and bottom plate). Add extra for toenailing at corners. Average ~6 nails per stud total.

Framing Nail Calculator

Calculate how many framing nails and pounds you need based on your stud count.

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Enter Your Measurements

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How to Use This Calculator

1Enter total number of studs in your project.
2Click Calculate.

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About This Material

16d (3.5") sinker nails are the standard framing nail. Common framing guns use 3.1" to 3.5" stick or coil nails. One 30-lb box of 16d sinkers contains ~500 nails.

Installation Tips

•End nail through plates into studs (2 nails per end).
•Toenail extra studs at corners and openings.
•Use 3" nails for stud-to-plate connections if shooting through an angle.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Under-nailing — always follow IRC nailing schedule for structural connections.
Using roofing nails for framing — wrong nail, wrong shank, wrong head.