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Metal stud partition: studs, track, centres and heights

A metal stud partition is a frame of steel C studs fitted into floor and ceiling track, boarded both sides with plasterboard. In British Gypsum's GypWall systems the studs go at 600mm centres, and the track is fixed to the floor and soffit at a maximum of 600mm centres.

The figures below are British Gypsum's, with Knauf and Siniat in brackets where they differ. Specifications vary by system and product, so always check the manufacturer's literature for the system you're building.

Metal stud partition components

  • C studs: the vertical members. British Gypsum names its Gypframe studs with a code. In 70 S 50, the 70 is the stud width in mm, the S means a standard C stud, and the 50 means 0.5mm thick steel. Other manufacturers use their own codes, so check their product names when you order. The most common widths are 48mm (often called 50mm), 70mm and 92mm. 60mm and 146mm studs are also made, with the wider studs used for taller walls. Sizes don't always match between brands. Some make a 50mm stud that sits in a 52mm track, so when you extend an existing partition, use the same manufacturer's studs and track. I studs and acoustic studs (AcouStud) are also available for taller or higher-performance walls.

  • Floor and ceiling track (channel): the U-shaped section at the head and base that the studs sit in. British Gypsum calls it Floor & Ceiling Channel, and uses a Deep Flange channel where a deflection head is needed (Knauf and Siniat call it U track or U channel).

  • Board: plasterboard on both sides, in one or two layers, to suit the fire, sound and duty rating needed. See plasterboard thickness and sizes.

  • Insulation: mineral wool in the cavity where sound or fire performance is specified.

  • Fixing channel: British Gypsum's 99 FC 50 Fixing Channel, fitted horizontally between studs, carries medium-weight fixtures and socket boxes.

  • Sealant: a bead of sealant at the head, base and edges keeps the partition airtight for sound (Knauf beds the track on two continuous beads).

Stud centres and track fixings

  • Studs: 600mm centres. Closer centres (400mm or 300mm) let a partition go taller. British Gypsum notes this can reduce sound insulation by up to 3dB, depending on the specification.

  • Track: fixed to the floor and soffit at a maximum of 600mm centres. British Gypsum asks for two staggered rows of fixings on channels 94mm wide and over, each fixing 25mm in from the flange.

  • Uneven floors: British Gypsum suggests a 38mm thick timber sole plate the same width as the channel.

  • Stud length: cut studs about 5mm short of the floor-to-ceiling height so they drop into the track (Siniat and Knauf both work to 5mm).

  • Board screws: Knauf fixes board at a maximum of 300mm centres, closing to 200mm at corners.

Maximum partition heights

Taller walls need bigger studs, closer centres or more board layers. British Gypsum's recommended maximum heights for common GypWall Single Frame studs at 600mm centres:

Stud

1 x 12.5mm board each side

2 x 12.5mm board each side

48 S 50

70 S 50

92 S 50

2.5m

3.6m

4.5m

3.4m

4.6m

5.7m

These are for non fire-rated partitions, based on a deflection limit of L/240 at 200Pa. Fire-rated partitions can have lower maximum heights, so take the height from the system specification. Boxing studs (two C studs fitted together) or closing up the centres gives more height.

Joining studs, deflection heads and door openings

  • Extending a stud: overlap two C studs by at least 600mm and fix them with two wafer head screws through each flange (British Gypsum).

  • Deflection heads: where the floor above may move, use deep flange head track, cut the studs shorter to allow for the movement, and don't screw the board into the head track flanges. British Gypsum increases the stud offset by the deflection plus 5mm (Knauf limits deflection to half the flange length).

  • Door openings: British Gypsum sleeves the studs each side of the opening with channel, full height, and cuts and bends the base channel to run 300mm up the studs, fixed with two screws each side. Check the door manufacturer's details too.

  • Heavy fixtures: shelving, TVs and cupboards need plywood fixed between the studs (British Gypsum uses Service Support Plates). Plan them before boarding.

How much stud and track to order

Track is the easy part: the wall length twice, for the floor and the ceiling.

For studs, allow one every 600mm along the wall, plus one at each end, plus extra at door openings, junctions and wherever boards need backing. Then add your waste allowance before you order. Our free Drylining Waste Guide gives the figures for stud and track.

For the board, see how many sheets of plasterboard do I need.

Get the free Drylining Waste Guide

Waste allowances for plasterboard, metal stud, track, insulation, screws and fixings, jointing compound and tape, plus five rules for ordering.

Common questions

What centres should metal studs be at?

600mm centres is standard in British Gypsum, Knauf and Siniat systems. Some specifications use 400mm or 300mm to reach a greater height.

How high can a metal stud partition go?

It depends on the stud, the centres and the board. In British Gypsum's figures, a 70mm stud at 600mm centres with one layer of 12.5mm board each side goes to 3.6m, and 4.6m with two layers each side. Fire-rated walls can be lower.

What's the difference between a metal stud and a timber stud partition?

Metal studs are lighter, straight and consistent, and they're the standard for commercial fitout. Manufacturers publish tested fire, sound and height data for their metal stud systems, so you can build to a specification.

Do you need a deflection head?

Where the structure above can move, such as under a concrete slab or a roof, a deflection head lets it move without cracking the partition. The project specification or structural engineer will say whether one is needed.

Figures are from manufacturers' published information and are for guidance. Heights, centres and fixings depend on the system, the board and the fire and acoustic requirements. Always build to the specification and the manufacturer's current literature.

We're building QFitout, drylining quoting software for partitions, MF ceilings, suspended grid ceilings, wall lining and shaftwall. It works out the studs, track and board from your measurements and specs, and warns you if a partition is taller than the manufacturer's published limit for the system, with the source. Join the waitlist to hear first when early access opens.

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Sources

  • British Gypsum TGN123: Maximum system heights, GypWall Single Frame (30 August 2022)

  • British Gypsum White Book: GypWall Single Frame Enhanced, design considerations and construction details (last updated 12.10.26)

  • Knauf Partitions Manual: Installation Procedures

  • Knauf Drywall Manual: Direct Bonding and Metal Furring; Knauf Plasterboard Adhesive estimating guide

  • Siniat Drywall Manual, Book 2: Partitions (v2.2.0, July 2025)