What stud means
A stud is one of the vertical framing members in a wall, running from the bottom plate to the top plate.
Also called wall stud.
Where it matters on a carpentry job
Notching and boring studs for pipes and wires has limits, which plumbers and electricians often push. Check the holes before insulation and drywall, since fixing an over bored stud means sistering it.
What the model code says
- A stud in an exterior wall or bearing partition may not be notched deeper than 25 percent of its depth; nonbearing studs up to 40 percent. (IRC 2021, Chapter 6)
- Bored holes may not exceed 60 percent of the stud depth, and the edge stays at least 5/8 inch from the stud edge. (IRC 2021, Chapter 6)
Check which code edition your building department enforces for stud before you quote.
Work it out
- Free calculator: Framing calculator
- Tools, templates and guides: Free carpentry resources
Sources: 2021 International Residential Code, Chapter 6, Wall Construction (ICC). Checked October 9, 2026.