Brick Calculator
Calculate how many bricks you need for walls, patios, and walkways. Enter your wall dimensions and brick size to get an instant estimate with 10% waste factor included.
How to Calculate Bricks for a Wall
The brick calculation formula accounts for brick dimensions, mortar joint thickness, and waste:
- Calculate wall area: Multiply wall length by wall height (in feet) to get total square footage.
- Subtract openings: Remove the area of any windows, doors, or other openings.
- Find bricks per square foot: 144 / ((brick length + mortar joint) x (brick height + mortar joint)).
- Calculate total bricks: Wall area x bricks per sq ft x 1.10 (adds 10% for waste and breakage).
Brick Sizes Chart
Common brick sizes used in construction (length x height x depth):
- Standard / Modular: 8" x 2.25" x 3.625" — the most common brick size, approximately 7 bricks per sq ft
- Queen: 8" x 2.75" x 3.125" — slightly taller, approximately 5.8 bricks per sq ft
- King: 9.625" x 2.75" x 2.75" — larger format, approximately 4.8 bricks per sq ft
- Utility: 12" x 4" x 4" — used for structural walls, approximately 3 bricks per sq ft
Mortar Coverage Guide
Mortar is essential for bonding bricks together. Here is a general guide:
- Per 100 bricks: Approximately 2.5-3 cubic feet of mortar (7-8 bags of 60 lb or 80 lb pre-mixed mortar)
- Joint thickness: Standard mortar joints are 3/8" (0.375") for modular bricks, though 1/2" joints are also common
- Mortar types: Type N (general purpose), Type S (structural/below grade), Type M (heavy loads/foundations)
Brick Laying Patterns
- Running Bond: The most common pattern. Bricks are staggered by half in each row. Simple, strong, and efficient with minimal waste.
- Stack Bond: Bricks are aligned directly on top of each other. Modern look, but structurally weaker without reinforcement.
- Herringbone: Bricks are laid at 45-degree angles in a V-shape pattern. Popular for patios and walkways, but requires more cuts and 10-15% extra material.
- Flemish Bond: Alternating headers and stretchers in each course. Traditional look with excellent structural strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bricks per square foot?
For standard modular bricks (8" x 2.25") with 3/8" mortar joints, you need approximately 6.75 bricks per square foot. This is commonly rounded up to about 7 bricks per square foot to account for waste and breakage.
How much mortar do I need per 100 bricks?
You typically need about 7-8 bags (60 lb or 80 lb) of pre-mixed mortar for every 100 standard bricks. This works out to roughly 2.5-3 cubic feet of mortar per 100 bricks, depending on joint thickness and brick size.
How do I calculate bricks for a wall?
Multiply the wall length by its height to get the total square footage. Subtract the area of any doors (about 21 sq ft each) and windows (about 12 sq ft each). Multiply the remaining area by 7 bricks per sq ft (for standard bricks). Add 10% extra for waste and breakage.
What is the standard mortar joint size?
The standard mortar joint thickness is 3/8 inch (0.375") for modular bricks. Some applications use 1/2 inch joints. Consistent joint size is important for both structural integrity and visual appearance.
How many bricks are on a pallet?
A standard pallet of bricks contains approximately 500 bricks, though this varies by brick size and manufacturer. A pallet of standard modular bricks covers roughly 70-75 square feet of wall area.