If you’re hanging shelves, mounting a TV, or even installing towel hooks, knowing how to find a stud in the wall is one of the most important beginner skills in DIY. Miss the stud, and you’re stuck with anchors, sagging shelves, or worse, drywall damage.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the different ways to find studs, what tools to use (including magnetic and electronic stud finders), and what to do if you’re off target.
Why Studs Matter for Any Wall Project
Wall studs are vertical wood framing members behind your drywall, spaced every 16–24 inches. They’re what give weight-bearing support to:
- Shelves
- Heavy mirrors
- Cabinets
- TVs
- Pegboards
Anchoring into a stud gives you maximum strength. Anchoring into just drywall? Risky—even with anchors.
If you are curious on how to find a stud without a stud finder, check out This Old House!
Related: How to Hang a Shelf
Related: How to Use Wall Anchors
How to Find a Stud in the Wall (The No-Tool Methods)
If you don’t have a stud finder, start with these:
🔹 1. Knock Test
Lightly knock across the wall. A hollow sound = between studs. A solid sound = stud.
🔹 2. Look for Clues
- Outlets and switches are mounted on studs
- Baseboards are often nailed into studs
- Drywall seams usually meet on a stud
🔹 3. Use a Tape Measure
Once you find one stud (e.g. next to an outlet), measure 16 or 24 inches to locate others.
Use a Magnetic Stud Finder (Simple & Reliable)
A magnetic stud finder detects the tiny nails or screws in drywall that attach it to studs. No batteries, no screens—just swipe until it “sticks.”
Recommended:
The StudBuddy Magnetic Stud Finder Tool
- Inexpensive
- No batteries
- Uses rare-earth magnets to lock onto screw heads
This is a great option if you’re on a budget or want something that just works. A tool like the StudBuddy is a great way to learn how to find a stud in the wall without electronics or batteries.
Use an Electronic Stud Finder (Best for Accuracy)
Electronic stud finders scan density changes in the wall to locate studs, edges, and sometimes even wires or pipes.
Recommended:
Franklin Sensors ProSensor 710
- Detects multiple studs at once
- No calibration needed
- Super accurate across painted drywall
This is the stud finder I’d trust for mounting shelves or heavier objects.
Bob Vila has a stud finder buyer’s guide that breaks down more tools for different wall types.
Related: Tools for New Homeowners
Common Stud-Finding Mistakes (And Fixes)
❌ Mistake #1: Assuming all walls are 16″ spaced
→ Fix: Use multiple methods. Some walls use 24″ spacing or have framing irregularities.
❌ Mistake #2: Mounting between studs
→ Fix: Use wall anchors only when absolutely necessary (see this guide).
❌ Mistake #3: Ignoring depth
→ Fix: Use a stud finder that shows full stud width to avoid catching only the edge.
Can’t Find a Stud? Here’s What to Do
- Re-scan with both magnetic and electronic tools
- Try the outlet trick: studs are on either side of the box
- Use drywall anchors as a fallback—but only for items under 25 lbs
Related: Coming Soon How to Patch a Wall With Ease
Tools I Recommend for Finding Studs
Use this icon list or cards with Pretty Links:
Use this icon list or cards with Pretty Links:
- Franklin Sensors 710 ProSensor
- StudBuddy Magnetic Stud Finder
- 25-ft Tape Measure
- Painter’s Tape – mark without damage
- Pencil or Drywall Marker
Final Tips for Success
Always double-check stud location before drilling
Mark your drill point with tape and a pencil
Use a small bit first to test entry
Patch mistakes easily (see: how to patch a wall)
Once you’ve learned how to find a stud in the wall, you’ll be ready for projects like mounting shelves or hanging mirrors.
