What size nail for framing? Exact sizes for studs, plates, and nailers 🛠️

For most framing in 2× lumber, use 16d (3½ in.) commons or their nail-gun equivalents (3¼ in., 0.131–0.148 in. shank)—long enough to grab, not so long they split.

Choosing fasteners shouldn’t be guesswork. This guide gives the straight answer to what size nail for framing, plus specific picks for what size nails for 2x4 framing and what size framing nails to load in your nailer. We’ll also cover when to step down to 10d, what shank types make sense, and how to avoid overdriving. 📋

A selection of framing nails in a toolbox

What size nail for framing: the quick answer

• Hand nailing (common nails):

  • Studs, plates, headers: 16d common (3½ in. length, ~0.162 in. shank).

  • Toe-nailing 2× studs: 10d or 16d depending on angle and grain; 10d is friendlier for splits.

• Framing nailers (collated):

  • Most wall framing in 2×: 3¼ in. nails, 0.131–0.148 in. shank, clipped or full head per your gun and local code.

  • Heavier loads / engineered lumber: favor the 0.148 in. shank.

Pro tip: Pick the shortest nail that still penetrates at least 1½ inches into the main member—reliable holding with less splitting."

Table: common framing tasks and nail sizes

Task (2× lumber unless noted)	Hand-drive size	Nailer equivalent	Notes
Stud to sole/top plate	16d common (3½" × 0.162")	3¼" × 0.131–0.148"	Full-head often required in hurricane/high-wind regions
Double top plate lapping	16d common	3¼" × 0.131–0.148"	Stagger nails 16" o.c.
Header build-up (2 plies)	16d common	3¼" × 0.131–0.148"	Glue + nails for stiffness
Toe-nail stud into plate	10d common (3" × 0.148") or 16d	3" × 0.131" or 3¼"	2–3 nails per side at ~45°
Blocking, bridging	10d	3"	Shorter helps avoid splits
Exterior wall sheathing (OSB/ply)	8d (2½" × ~0.131")	2–2⅜" × 0.113–0.120"	Use ring/threaded shank outdoors
Subfloor (to joists)	8d ring	2–2⅜" × 0.113–0.120" ring	Ring shank reduces squeaks
Sill to treated plate (PT)	Hot-dip galvanized 16d	Galv. 3¼"	PT lumber needs corrosion-resistant coating

"Pro tip: If you’re seeing splits, go smaller diameter (0.131") or pre-drill near end grain instead of jumping to longer nails."

Shank, head, coating: what actually matters

• Shank diameter: 0.131 in. is friendlier; 0.148 in. holds more for heavy members and LVL.

• Head type: Full round head is widely accepted and often required by local codes; clipped head increases magazine capacity but check rules first.

• Coatings: Use hot-dip galvanized or polymer-coated nails anywhere near moisture, exterior walls, or pressure-treated (PT) lumber.

• Ring vs smooth: Ring shank for sheathing/subfloors to fight withdrawal; smooth for structural 2× fastening where withdrawal is less critical than shear.

Gun setup and driving depth (so you don’t lose strength)

• Set depth so heads are flush to barely set; don’t crush fibers.

• Keep the nose square to the work—angled shots cut holding power.

• Space nails per plan (often 16" o.c. for studs to plates; closer at openings).

• Swap to a shorter nail for blocking or toe-nailing near ends to avoid splits.

Pro tip: If you change nail diameter, re-tune compressor pressure and depth—0.148 in. needs more air than 0.131 in. for a clean set."

When a screw beats a nail

Use structural screws (deck/ledger-rated) for renovations where you can’t risk movement, or for engineered lumber connections that specify them. They offer high withdrawal without predrill, but follow the manufacturer’s spacing and edge-distance chart.

FAQ

In one sentence: what size nail for framing? Use 16d (3½ in.) commons for most 2× framing or 3¼ in., 0.131–0.148 in. collated nails in a framing nailer.

What size nails for 2x4 framing specifically? 16d common by hand or 3¼ in. collated; drop to 10d/3 in. for toe-nailing or short blocks to reduce splitting.

What size framing nails should I buy for my gun? A range of 3 in. to 3¼ in. in 0.131–0.148 in. diameters covers studs, plates, and headers; add 0.113–0.120 in. ring shank for sheathing/subfloor.

Full head or clipped head? Use full head unless your jurisdiction allows clipped; storms/high-wind areas often require full-round heads.

Galvanized or bright? Galvanized for exterior, wet areas, and PT lumber; bright for dry interior framing only.

Conclusion

For nearly every wall, plate, and header in 2× construction, the answer to what size nail for framing is 16d by hand or 3¼ in., 0.131–0.148 in. in a nailer. Match length to ensure ≥1½ in. penetration, pick the shank and coating for the job, and set depth just flush. Do that, and your connections will be strong, quiet, and code-friendly for the life of the house.