Brick Calculator
Calculate the number of bricks and amount of mortar needed for your wall construction project. Get accurate estimates for materials, costs, and labor planning.
Brick Calculator
Calculate bricks and mortar needed for your wall
~7 bricks per square foot
How to Use the Brick Calculator
- Choose Unit System: Select Imperial (feet) or Metric (meters) depending on how you measured the wall
- Select Input Method: Enter wall dimensions (length and height) or provide total square footage if already calculated
- Pick Brick Size: Different brick sizes require different quantities per square foot - choose the size matching your bricks
- Choose Wall Type: Single wythe (4 inches), double wythe (8 inches), or cavity wall construction affects total brick count
- Enter Dimensions: Input wall length and height, or total area depending on your selected method
- Set Waste Factor: Account for broken bricks, cuts, and errors with appropriate waste percentage (typically 10%)
- Review Results: Check total bricks needed, mortar required, estimated cost, and number of pallets to order
Brick Sizes and Standards
Standard Brick (3⅝" × 8")
Most common brick size used in residential and commercial construction. Dimensions work with standard mortar joints to create modular wall heights. Seven bricks per square foot including mortar joints makes material estimation straightforward.
Modular Brick (3⅝" × 7⅝")
Slightly smaller than standard bricks, modular bricks create walls where three courses equal eight inches vertically. Popular for commercial buildings and modern construction. Require more bricks per square foot but cost slightly less per unit.
Queen Brick (3⅛" × 7⅝")
Taller and narrower than standard bricks, queen size creates elegant walls with different visual proportions. Five courses equal 16 inches in height. Fewer bricks needed per square foot reduces material costs for large projects.
King Brick (3" × 9⅝")
Larger format brick requiring fewer units per square foot. Creates bold, modern appearance with wider horizontal lines. Weight and size mean slower installation but dramatic architectural effect. Best for accent walls and commercial facades.
Mortar and Materials Guide
Mortar Requirements
Mortar joints between bricks typically measure 3/8 to 1/2 inch thick. Standard mortar mix contains one part portland cement, one part lime, and six parts sand. Pre-mixed mortar bags simplify the process but cost more than mixing components separately.
General purpose mortar for above-grade walls. Medium strength suitable for most residential construction. Easiest to work with for DIY projects.
High strength mortar for below-grade applications and load-bearing walls. Better adhesion and durability in harsh conditions.
Material Coverage
Plan for approximately one 80-pound bag of pre-mixed mortar per 35-40 bricks. A standard wall using 700 bricks requires 18-20 bags. Mix only what you can use in 90 minutes before mortar begins setting.
Mixing your own mortar needs roughly 0.5 cubic feet of sand per bag of cement. One cubic yard of sand makes mortar for approximately 1,000 standard bricks including normal waste.
Place horizontal wire reinforcement every 16 inches vertically for walls over 4 feet tall. Reinforcement prevents cracking and adds structural strength to masonry walls.
Brick Installation Tips
Before You Start
- Foundation Prep: Ensure concrete footing is level, cured for at least three days, and clean. Uneven foundations cause wall problems that worsen with height.
- String Lines: Run string lines for first course and every few courses up. Straight string lines ensure walls stay plumb and level throughout construction.
- Brick Layout: Dry-lay first course without mortar to establish spacing and identify cuts needed. Adjust joint width slightly to avoid small cuts at ends.
- Weather Conditions: Avoid laying bricks when temperature falls below 40°F or exceeds 90°F. Extreme temperatures affect mortar curing and bonding strength.
During Installation
- Consistent Joints: Maintain uniform 3/8 inch mortar joints throughout. Use spacers or joint tools to keep consistent thickness for professional appearance.
- Butter Technique: Apply mortar to brick ends for vertical joints before placing. Proper buttering prevents gaps that weaken wall and allow water penetration.
- Tooling Joints: Strike joints when mortar becomes thumbprint hard, usually 30-45 minutes after laying. Tooled joints compress mortar and shed water properly.
- Clean As You Go: Brush off excess mortar before it hardens. Dried mortar stains bricks and requires aggressive cleaning that may damage surfaces.
Wall Types and Applications
Single Wythe Wall
One brick thickness creating 4-inch wall. Suitable for garden walls, privacy screens, and non-load bearing partitions. Requires half the bricks of double wythe construction.
Double Wythe Wall
Two parallel brick layers bonded together with header courses. Creates stronger, thicker walls capable of bearing structural loads. Traditional method for house construction.
Cavity Wall
Two brick wythes separated by air gap for insulation. Metal ties connect layers while maintaining gap. Modern standard for energy-efficient residential construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bricks do I need for a 100 square foot wall?
For standard bricks (3⅝" × 8"), you need approximately 700 bricks for a 100 square foot single wythe wall. Add 10% waste allowance for cuts and breakage, bringing total to 770 bricks. Double wythe walls require twice this amount.
Should I wet bricks before laying them?
Yes, dampen bricks slightly before laying, especially in hot weather. Dry bricks absorb moisture from mortar too quickly, weakening the bond. Spray bricks lightly with water 30 minutes before use, but avoid soaking as excess water also weakens mortar.
What's the difference between brick types for different climates?
SW (severe weathering) grade bricks withstand freeze-thaw cycles in cold climates. MW (moderate weathering) suits temperate regions. NW (negligible weathering) works for indoor or protected areas. Using wrong grade causes cracking, spalling, and premature failure.
Can I lay bricks on an existing concrete slab?
Yes, if the slab is level, clean, and structurally sound. Clean surface thoroughly and apply bonding agent before mortaring first course. Slab should be at least 4 inches thick and properly reinforced to support brick wall weight.
How long does mortar take to cure fully?
Mortar reaches handling strength in 24-48 hours and full strength in 28 days. Wait at least 48 hours before removing braces or applying loads. Protect new masonry from rain for 24 hours and from freezing for 72 hours after installation.
Do I need building permits for brick walls?
Most jurisdictions require permits for walls over 4 feet tall or any structural walls. Retaining walls, foundation walls, and walls near property lines almost always need permits. Check local building codes before starting construction to avoid fines and required demolition.
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