How to find a stud before hanging art

Updated 2026-11-02

Use an electronic stud finder, or slide a strong magnet across the wall until it catches a plasterboard screw, then confirm with a small test hole before you hang anything heavy.

Four ways to find a stud

Stud finder: calibrate it on a bare patch of wall, slide it sideways and mark both edges of each stud. The centre is between the marks.
Magnet: a small neodymium magnet sticks to the screws that fix plasterboard to the frame. Screws line up vertically along each stud.
Clues in the room: power points and switches are usually fixed to the side of a stud, and skirting boards are nailed into studs, so look for filled nail holes.
Knock and measure: a hollow sound means a gap; a duller, solid sound usually means a stud. Once you find one, measure across at the usual spacing to find the next.

Typical stud spacing

Where	Usual spacing (centre to centre)
US	16 in (406 mm), sometimes 24 in (610 mm)
Australia	450 mm or 600 mm

When the stud is in the wrong spot

A gallery wall rarely lines up with the frame of the house. For light and medium frames, use picture hooks or plasterboard anchors rated for the weight. For heavy pieces, hang from a French cleat or a timber batten screwed into two studs, then position the art anywhere along it. Always check for pipes and cables first; avoid drilling directly above or below power points.

Lintel shows the exact nail position for each frame, so you can check which ones land near a stud before you drill. See also how to hang heavy pictures safely.

Frequently asked questions

How far apart are wall studs?

In most US homes studs sit 16 in (406 mm) apart, centre to centre, and sometimes 24 in. In Australia timber or steel studs are usually 450 mm or 600 mm apart.

Do I need a stud to hang a picture?

Not for light frames. A picture hook or plasterboard anchor is fine for most frames. Use a stud, or a heavy-duty anchor rated for the weight, for mirrors and heavy pieces.

Can I use a magnet to find a stud?

Yes. A strong magnet slid slowly across the wall will stick to the screws or nails that hold the plasterboard to the stud.