Brick Calculator

Estimate brick quantity, mortar volume, waste, and material cost for a masonry wall.

Calculate bricks and mortar

Enter wall dimensions in feet and brick dimensions, joint size, waste, and unit price.

Wall Length (ft)

Wall Height (ft)

Brick Length (in)

Brick Height (in)

Brick Width (in)

Mortar Joint (in)

Waste Allowance (%)

Price per Brick ($)

About brick quantity estimates

A brick calculator converts the face area of a wall into a practical masonry order. The wall area is length multiplied by height. Each brick covers its visible length and height plus the mortar joint, so the modular face area is brick length plus joint thickness multiplied by brick height plus joint thickness. Converting that area from square inches to square feet lets the calculator divide wall area by coverage per brick. The result is then increased by the selected waste allowance and rounded up to a whole brick. Standard modular dimensions matter because a nominal brick size often includes the mortar joint, while an actual brick size does not. This calculator asks for actual brick dimensions and a separate joint thickness. Its defaults represent a common modular brick measuring 7.625 by 2.25 by 3.625 inches with a 0.375-inch joint. Always measure the product or use the manufacturer's data sheet. Oversize, utility, queen, thin, and handmade units can produce very different counts over the same wall area. The mortar estimate compares the gross wall volume with the volume occupied by the calculated bricks before waste. It is a planning estimate for a single-wythe wall whose thickness equals the entered brick width. Real consumption changes with joint profile, frog or core geometry, workmanship, spillage, wall ties, and whether bricks are unusually absorbent. Mortar is normally purchased by bag or mixed from cementitious material and sand, so convert the displayed cubic feet using the yield printed on the chosen product. Waste covers cuts, breakage, sorting, and future repairs. Five percent may suit a simple running-bond wall with full units, while ten percent is a common starting point for corners, openings, color blending, and moderate cutting. Complex patterns can require more. Subtract large doors and windows by calculating their areas separately, but retain enough extra units for returns and detailing. The cost shown includes bricks only; mortar, reinforcement, flashing, delivery, tax, labor, scaffolding, and equipment remain separate. Confirm quantities with the mason and supplier before ordering, especially where structural drawings, local codes, or manufacturer installation requirements control the work.

Brick calculation examples

Wall and brick	Estimated order	Assumptions
20 ft by 8 ft wall	1,207 bricks	Common modular brick and 10 percent waste
10 ft by 8 ft wall	604 bricks	Common modular brick and 10 percent waste
30 ft by 10 ft wall	2,263 bricks	Common modular brick and 10 percent waste

How to calculate bricks

Measure the wall length and finished height in feet.
Enter the actual brick dimensions and planned mortar joint thickness.
Choose a waste allowance and enter the supplier's price per brick.
Calculate, then round the order to full cubes or pallets sold locally.

Frequently asked questions

How many bricks are needed per square foot?

A common modular brick with a three-eighth-inch joint needs about 6.86 bricks per square foot. Larger or smaller brick formats change that coverage.

Does the brick count include mortar joints?

Yes, the face coverage includes the entered joint on the brick length and height. This models the repeating modular spacing across the wall.

How much waste should I add?

Ten percent is a practical starting point for many small projects. Simple walls may need less, while detailed bonds, many openings, or fragile brick may need more.

Should openings be subtracted?

Large doors and windows should usually be subtracted from gross wall area. Keep the waste allowance because returns, sills, cuts, and breakage still consume units.

Is the mortar result exact?

No, it is a geometric planning estimate based on a solid rectangular brick. Brick cores, frogs, joint tooling, and site loss can materially change actual mortar use.