Header Size
2×6
Jack Studs
1
King Studs
2
Cripple Studs
2
Required Header
2×6
for 4 ft bearing opening
1
2
2×6
2
Inputs
Result
A 3-foot bearing opening with 1 story above and a light roof falls in the "up to 4 ft" range, requiring a 2×6 header per IRC tables. One jack stud per side supports the header.
Inputs
Result
A 6-foot bearing opening starts at 2×10 for 1-story light roof. Adding 2 stories bumps to 2×12, and heavy roof confirms 2×12. Two jack studs per side for a 6-foot span.
For a 4-foot bearing wall opening with 1 story above and a light roof, you need a 2×6 header. For 2 stories above or a heavy roof, step up to a 2×8. Non-bearing walls only need a 2×4 for any opening up to 8 feet.
| Opening Width | 1 Story, Light Roof | 1 Story, Heavy Roof | 2 Stories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 4 ft | 2×6 | 2×6 | 2×8 |
| 4–6 ft | 2×8 | 2×10 | 2×10 |
| 6–8 ft | 2×10 | 2×12 | 2×12 |
| 8–10 ft | 2×12 | LVL required | LVL required |
Plan for 1 jack stud per 4 feet of header span. A 4-foot opening needs 1 jack stud per side, while an 8-foot opening needs 2 jack studs per side. Jack studs carry the header weight directly into the foundation.
King studs are full-height studs running from bottom plate to top plate on each side of an opening. Jack studs (trimmers) are shorter studs nailed to king studs that directly support the header. You always need both.
| Stud Type | Location | Height | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| King stud | Each side of opening | Full height (plate to plate) | Anchors framing |
| Jack stud | Against king stud | Bottom plate to header | Supports header weight |
| Cripple stud | Above header / below sill | Fills gap to plate | Transfers loads, nailing surface |
Non-bearing walls technically only need a flat 2×4 or 2×6 to hold cripple studs in place. However, many builders install a proper header anyway for added rigidity and future-proofing in case the wall becomes load-bearing.
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Last Updated: Mar 9, 2026
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