Walls

How to find a wall stud (with or without a stud finder)

Hanging a shelf, a TV mount, or a heavy mirror? You want a stud, the vertical wood framing behind the drywall. Here's how to find one reliably, even if you don't own a stud finder.

Written and reviewed by Grab the Hammer Team · Updated Sep 2026
Cutaway wall showing studs 16 inches apart, drywall screws lined up, an outlet box on a stud, and trim nails
How to find a stud: drywall screws line up along each stud (1), outlet boxes are fixed to one (2), trim nails mark them (3), and they're usually 16 in apart.

What's actually going on

In most homes built in the last 60 years, studs are spaced 16 inches apart, measured center to center. Once you find one, you can usually measure to the next. Drywall is screwed to every stud, so the fasteners, outlets and trim all give clues to where they are.

Why it happens

Irregular spacing

Near windows, doors and corners, studs are often closer together or doubled up.

Plaster walls

Older plaster confuses many electronic stud finders.

Metal studs

Some newer or commercial buildings use steel studs, which need different screws.

Thick wall coverings

Tile or paneling can hide stud finder signals.

Before you startStay clear of the areas directly above and below outlets and switches, where wires usually run, and near plumbing walls behind sinks and toilets.

Let's fix it

0 of 5 done
  1. Start at an outlet or switchElectrical boxes are almost always attached to a stud on one side. Knock on the wall beside it to find which side.
    Wall outlet with its electrical box fastened to the side of a stud behind the drywall
  2. Measure 16 inchesFrom that stud, measure 16 inches along the wall. Many homes also use 24 inches, so check both.
    Tape measure stretched 16 inches from one stud to the next along the wall
  3. Use a magnetSlide a strong magnet slowly over the wall. It snaps to the drywall screws, which line up vertically along each stud.
    Strong magnet sliding across drywall and sticking to a hidden drywall screw along a stud
  4. Confirm with a tiny nailTap a small finish nail through the wall where the picture will cover it. Solid resistance means wood; if it slides through easily, it's hollow.
    Small finish nail tapped into the wall where the picture will cover it to feel for solid wood
  5. Mark the centerStuds are 1.5 inches wide. Find both edges and mark the center with painter's tape before drilling.
    Both edges of a stud marked with painter's tape and the center line marked for drilling

Still not fixed?

If the stud finder beeps everywhere, recalibrate it by holding it flat on the wall and restarting it in a new spot.

If you still can't find a stud, use a toggle bolt or heavy-duty anchor rated well above your item's weight.

Tip from experienceBaseboards are nailed into studs. Look for small filled nail holes along the trim; they point straight up to a stud.
Time to call a pro if you seeIf you need to anchor a heavy TV mount and can't find studs, or the wall is plaster and lath. A pro can locate framing and use the right mount.

What a pro charges: A handyman visit to mount a TV or shelf typically runs $100–$250.

Common questions

How far apart are wall studs?

Usually 16 inches center to center, sometimes 24 inches, especially in newer homes and garages.

Can I find a stud with my phone?

Some phone apps use the magnetometer to find screws, which works like a magnet. A real magnet is more reliable.

About the authors

Grab the Hammer Team

We're a small team of home repair writers and editors who test our advice against manufacturer instructions and common code requirements. Our goal is simple: help you fix what you safely can, and know when to call in a pro.

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