Tap the wall and listen for a solid, dull sound instead of a hollow sound
Look for electrical outlets, switches, or wall plates, which are often attached to studs
Measure 16 inches from a known stud location, since studs are often spaced 16 inches apart
Measure 24 inches from a known stud location if the wall uses wider spacing
Check baseboards or crown molding for nail patterns that may indicate stud locations
Use a strong magnet to find drywall screws or nails in the stud
Shine a flashlight at an angle to spot slight wall dimples or seams
Look for visible nail pops or screw marks in the drywall
Drill a very small test hole in an inconspicuous area to confirm a stud
Use a thin finish nail or pin to probe the wall until you hit solid wood
Check from the attic, basement, or crawlspace for framing alignment
Use a smartphone stud-finding app if available
Find a known stud near a door or window frame and measure outward from it
Use the wall’s outlet box edge as a reference, since boxes are usually mounted to a stud
Mark the stud location after confirming it with more than one method