2308.5.1 Stud size, height and spacing.
BC § 2308.5.1
The size, height and spacing of studs shall be in accordance with Table 2308.5.1. Studs shall be continuous from a support at the sole plate to a support at the top plate to resist loads perpendicular to the wall. The support shall be a foundation or floor, ceiling or roof diaphragm or shall be designed in accordance with accepted engineering practice. Exception: Jack studs, trimmer studs and cripple studs at openings in walls that comply with Table 2308.4.1.1(1) or 2308.4.1.1(2). Table 2308.5.1Size, Height and Spacing of Wood Studs c Stud Size(inches)Bearing WallsNonbearing WallsLaterally unsupported stud height a (feet)Supporting roof and ceiling onlySupporting one floor, roof and ceilingSupporting two floors, roof and ceilingLaterally unsupported stud height a (feet)Spacing(inches)Spacing (inches)Stud Size(inches)Bearing WallsNonbearing WallsLaterally unsupported stud height a (feet)Supporting roof and ceiling onlySupporting one floor, roof and ceilingSupporting two floors, roof and ceilingLaterally unsupported stud height a (feet)Spacing(inches)Spacing (inches)2 × 3 b————10162 × 4 10102416—14243 × 4 101024241614242 × 5 10102424—16242 × 6 10192424162024 For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm. a. Listed heights are distances between points of lateral support placed perpendicular to the plane of the wall. Increases in unsupported height are permitted where justified by an analysis. b. Shall not be used in exterior walls. c. Utility-grade studs shall not be spaced more than 16 inches on center or support more than a roof and ceiling, or exceed 8 feet in height for exterior walls and load-bearing walls or 10 feet for interior nonload-bearing walls.
