What is the maximum spacing for interior nonbearing wall studs on center?

The maximum spacing for interior nonbearing wall studs on center is 16 inches. This spacing is commonly used in construction because it provides sufficient structural support while allowing for adequate insulation and drywall installation. When studs are spaced 16 inches apart, it helps to ensure that the wall can handle normal loads, supports fixtures, and accommodates standard building materials like sheets of drywall, which are typically 4 feet wide.

While other spacings, such as 24 inches, are acceptable for certain applications, they generally apply to specific situations where weight loads are lighter, or for particular types of framing systems that can distribute loads differently. The standard of 16 inches on center is widely accepted and promotes a balance between structural integrity and material efficiency in typical residential and commercial construction.