Brick Calculator

How to Use This Calculator (Step by Step)

1. Enter wall dimensions — Input the total length and height of the wall in feet. For L-shaped or multi-section walls, calculate each section separately or add the total linear feet.
2. Select brick size — Choose from modular, standard, engineer, queen, king, or Norman brick types. Each has different dimensions that affect the count per square foot.
3. Set mortar joint thickness — The default 3/8 inch works for most projects. Thinner joints (1/4 inch) give a refined look but require more precise bricklaying.
4. Choose wythe type — Single wythe is one brick thick, suitable for garden walls and veneers. Double wythe doubles the brick count and is used for structural or freestanding walls.
5. Select bond pattern — Running bond and stack bond use 10% waste, while English and Flemish bonds use 12% due to more cuts at corners and ends.
6. Add openings — Enter the number of doors and windows to subtract from the wall area. You can also enter custom opening dimensions for precise estimates.
7. Review results — The calculator shows total bricks, pallets, mortar bags, sand in cubic yards, and bricks per square foot. Enter a price per brick to see total material cost.

How the Calculations Work

The brick calculator uses standard masonry formulas that account for the combined area of each brick plus its mortar joint. Here is the step-by-step math:

• Effective brick face area: (Brick Length + Mortar Joint) × (Brick Height + Mortar Joint) = area per brick in square inches. Divide by 144 to get square feet. For a modular brick with 3/8" mortar: (7.625 + 0.375) × (2.25 + 0.375) = 21.09 sq in = 0.146 sq ft per brick.
• Bricks per square foot: 1 ÷ Area per brick in sq ft. For modular brick: 1 ÷ 0.146 = 6.85 bricks per sq ft (displayed as 6.75 in standard references due to rounding conventions).
• Net wall area: (Wall Length × Wall Height) − Opening Areas. The calculator subtracts doors (default 3 ft × 7 ft = 21 sq ft each) and windows (default 3 ft × 4 ft = 12 sq ft each).
• Total bricks: Net Area × Bricks per Sq Ft × Wythe Multiplier × (1 + Waste%). Double wythe multiplies by 2.
• Mortar bags: Total bricks ÷ 35 (approximately 35 bricks per 80 lb bag of mortar mix, consistent with typical values referenced in ASTM C270 mortar specification guidelines).
• Sand: Total bricks × 0.006 cubic yards per brick. This accounts for the sand component of the mortar mix.
• Pallets: Total bricks ÷ 500 (standard pallet count).

Example: A 20 ft × 8 ft wall with modular brick, 3/8" mortar, single wythe, running bond, one door, and 10% waste: Wall area = 160 sq ft. Door opening = 21 sq ft. Net area = 139 sq ft. Bricks = 139 × 6.75 × 1 × 1.10 = 1,032 bricks. Pallets = 3. Mortar bags = 30. Sand = 6.2 cubic yards.

Measuring Tips

• Measure the length and height of the wall in feet
• For multiple walls, calculate each separately and add totals
• Subtract areas for doors, windows, and openings
• Account for brick size and mortar joint thickness
• Add 5–10% waste factor for cuts and breakage
• Measure rough openings, not finished opening sizes, for the most accurate brick count
• For curved walls, use a flexible tape measure along the curve length

Brick Size Guide

Brick dimensions vary by type and manufacturer. The table below shows standard nominal sizes with approximate bricks per square foot including a 3/8 inch mortar joint. These dimensions are based on typical values consistent with ASTM C62 and ASTM C216 standard brick specifications.

Bond Pattern Guide

The bond pattern affects both the appearance and the waste factor. More intricate patterns require more cuts at corners and ends, increasing the waste percentage.

• Running Bond: The most common pattern. Each row (course) is offset by half a brick length. Simple to lay, strong, and uses 10% waste factor. Ideal for walls of any size.
• Stack Bond: Bricks are stacked directly on top of each other in vertical columns. Clean, modern look but weaker structurally. Requires 10% waste. Often needs horizontal reinforcement wire in every other course.
• English Bond: Alternating courses of stretchers (long face) and headers (short face). Classic pattern with excellent structural strength. Requires 12% waste due to header cuts.
• Flemish Bond: Alternating stretchers and headers within each course. Decorative and historically authentic. Requires 12% waste and more skill to lay properly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ordering from different batches: Brick color and size can vary significantly between manufacturing runs. Always order all bricks from the same batch and save the batch number for future additions.
• Forgetting mortar joint thickness: A 3/8" mortar joint adds 2–3% to the area per brick compared to a 1/4" joint. This affects total brick count, especially on large walls.
• Not accounting for breakage: Bricks chip and crack during transport and cutting. A 10% waste factor covers standard projects. Use 12–15% for patterns with many cuts or when working with reclaimed brick.
• Ignoring double wythe requirements: If your wall is structural or freestanding, you likely need double wythe. This doubles the brick count and mortar. Check with your structural engineer.
• Mismeasuring openings: Measure rough openings (the framed opening before brick), not the finished door or window size. The rough opening is larger and gives a more accurate brick subtraction.
• Underestimating mortar and sand: Mortar is often overlooked in material planning. Budget roughly one 80 lb bag of mortar mix per 35 bricks, plus sand at 0.006 cubic yards per brick.

Tips for Best Results

• Buy all bricks from the same batch for color consistency
• Order extra bricks (10–15% over calculated) for future repairs and matching
• Use consistent mortar joint thickness throughout the project
• Consider double wythe for exterior walls and load-bearing applications
• Plan your bond pattern before starting construction — snap chalk lines for each course
• Wet bricks before laying in hot weather to prevent rapid moisture loss from mortar
• Protect fresh brickwork from freezing temperatures for at least 24 hours after laying
• Use a mason's line (mason twine) stretched taut between corners to keep courses level and straight

Pro Tips for Contractors

• When quoting brick jobs, include mortar, sand, flashing, weep vents, and wall ties in the material estimate — not just bricks. These ancillary materials can add 25–35% to the brick cost alone.
• Verify brick availability before committing to a timeline. Specialty bricks (Norman, utility, custom colors) can have 4–8 week lead times from the manufacturer.
• For large walls, set up a mortar mixing station close to the work area. Mortar has a working life of about 90 minutes in warm weather — closer is faster.
• Track brick count daily as you lay. If you are using bricks faster than the calculated rate, your mortar joints may be too thick or there may be excessive waste from breakage.
• Use the calculator to estimate multiple wall sections separately, then combine. This gives more accurate counts for projects with different heights or opening configurations.
• For veneer applications over frame walls, remember to include wall ties (one per 2.67 sq ft, based on typical values consistent with ASTM A641 specifications) and flashing at base, heads, and sills.

Brick Cost Guide

Brick prices vary by type, region, and quantity. Buying by the pallet is significantly cheaper than buying individual bricks. These prices reflect typical US market averages.

Prices are approximate US averages (2024–2025). Does not include mortar, sand, or labor.