Brick Calculator

Calculate bricks and mortar needed for walls and projects.

Wall Dimensions
Brick Dimensions (inches)
Bricks Needed (with 5% waste)
1,101 bricks
1,049 bricks + 52 for waste
160.0
Wall Area (sq ft)
37
Courses (rows)
29
Bricks / Course
8
Mortar Bags (70 lb)
Mortar estimate based on approximately 7 bags (70 lb each) per 1,000 standard bricks. Actual usage varies with joint size and technique. Subtract area for any doors, windows, or other openings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many bricks do I need per square foot?

It depends on brick size and mortar joint width. Standard US modular bricks (3-5/8 x 2-1/4 x 7-5/8 inches) with 3/8-inch mortar joints require about 6.86 bricks per square foot for a single-wythe wall. King-size bricks need about 4.57 per sq ft. The calculator handles various brick sizes and mortar joint widths.

How much mortar do I need?

A standard mortar joint of 3/8 inch requires approximately 7 bags (80 lb) of premixed mortar per 1,000 standard bricks. For a 100 sq ft wall: about 686 bricks and 5 bags of mortar. The calculator estimates mortar based on your brick count, joint width, and wall thickness.

What waste factor should I include?

Add 5-10% for new construction with straight walls. Add 10-15% for projects with many cuts (corners, window openings, arches). Add extra for inexperienced bricklayers. Broken bricks during delivery and handling are also covered by the waste factor. The calculator applies your chosen percentage to the total count.

How do I calculate for a double-wythe wall?

A double-wythe wall (two layers of brick) requires roughly twice the bricks of a single-wythe wall plus additional mortar for the collar joint between layers. The calculator includes a wall thickness option: single wythe (3-5/8 inches), double wythe (8+ inches), or veneer over another material.

What about openings like windows and doors?

Enter the dimensions of each opening (windows, doors, vents) and the calculator subtracts their area from the total wall area before computing brick count. This prevents overordering. However, keep a few extra bricks for future repairs — they are difficult to color-match later.