Whether you’re using an electronic or magnetic stud finder, you should identify the location of a stud using a light pencil mark. If you need to find multiple studs, you can either proceed with your scanning, or you can pull out a measuring tape and mark either 16 or 24 inches from the center of the stud you’ve located. Wood studs are almost always located 16 inches apart, while metal studs are located 24 inches apart.