Wall framing is a grid of vertical studs sandwiched between a top and bottom plate. The standard spacing is 16 inches on-center, which lines studs up with standard 4 ft drywall and sheathing so every edge lands on framing.
The layout
Cut a top and bottom plate to the wall length and lay them side by side. Starting from one end, mark stud locations every 16 inches on both plates at once so they match. For an 8 ft ceiling, framers use 92-5/8″ precut studs; with a single bottom plate and double top plate, that yields the standard rough height that accepts 8 ft drywall with clearance.
Assembly
Nail studs between the plates on the marks, add a second top plate, and frame openings with king studs, jack studs, a header, and cripples. Build the wall flat on the floor, then stand it, plumb it, and brace it before fastening to the floor and adjacent walls.
Frequently asked questions
What is 16 inches on-center? The distance from the center of one stud to the center of the next.
Can I frame 24 inches on-center? Yes for some non-load-bearing or advanced-framing cases, but 16″ is the residential default.
Why 92-5/8″ studs? They produce a standard 8 ft wall height once plates are added.