Brick Calculator
Calculate how many bricks and mortar bags you need for walls, including deductions for doors and windows. See also Concrete Calculator and Roofing Calculator.
Wall Dimensions
Deductions
How Many Bricks Do I Need for a Wall?
To calculate bricks needed, first determine the net wall area by subtracting openings (doors and windows) from the total wall area. Then multiply the net area by the number of bricks per square foot, which depends on brick size and mortar joint width. Standard bricks with 3/8 inch mortar joints require approximately 6.75 bricks per square foot. Always add 5-10% for waste due to cutting, breakage, and future repairs.
Brick Calculation Formula
Wall Area (sq ft) = Length (ft) x Height (ft)
Net Area = Wall Area - Door Area - Window Area
Bricks per sq ft = 144 / ((brick_length + joint) x (brick_height + joint))
Standard (3/8" joint): 144 / (8.375 x 2.625) = 6.55 bricks/sq ft
Total Bricks = Net Area x Bricks per sq ft
With Waste = Total Bricks x (1 + waste%/100)
Mortar Bags = (Total Bricks / 1000) x 7
Example Calculation
Wall: 20 ft x 8 ft = 160 sq ft
Deductions: 1 door (21 sq ft) + 2 windows (24 sq ft) = 45 sq ft
Net area = 160 - 45 = 115 sq ft
Bricks = 115 x 6.55 = 753 bricks
With 5% waste = 753 x 1.05 = 791 bricks
Mortar = (791 / 1000) x 7 = 6 bags
Mortar Calculation
Mortar consumption depends on brick size, joint width, and bond pattern. A standard 70 lb bag of mortar mix covers approximately 140-150 standard bricks with 3/8 inch joints (about 7 bags per 1000 bricks). For thicker joints (1/2 inch), increase mortar by 30%. Running bond uses less mortar than Flemish or English bond patterns due to fewer cut bricks and joints.
Bricks per Square Foot by Size and Bond Pattern
| Brick Size | Dimensions (in) | Bricks/Sq Ft (3/8" joint) | Bricks/Sq Ft (1/2" joint) | Weight Each |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 8 x 3.625 x 2.25 | 6.55 | 6.16 | 4.5 lbs |
| Modular | 7.625 x 3.625 x 2.25 | 6.86 | 6.45 | 4.2 lbs |
| King | 9.625 x 3 x 2.75 | 5.76 | 5.42 | 5.6 lbs |
| Queen | 7.625 x 3 x 2.75 | 7.08 | 6.62 | 4.8 lbs |
| Utility | 11.625 x 3.625 x 3.625 | 3.56 | 3.38 | 8.0 lbs |
Bond Patterns
- Running Bond: Most common, bricks offset by half. Simple and strong.
- Stack Bond: Bricks aligned vertically. Modern look but weaker structurally.
- Flemish Bond: Alternating headers and stretchers in each course. Traditional appearance.
- English Bond: Alternating courses of headers and stretchers. Very strong.
- Herringbone: Bricks at 45-degree angles. Decorative, used for paths and floors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bricks are in a pallet?
A standard pallet contains 500-510 bricks. King-size bricks come about 400 per pallet. Weight per pallet is approximately 2,200-2,500 lbs. Most suppliers sell by the pallet or half-pallet for large orders.
How much does a brick wall cost?
Brick walls cost $10-$45 per square foot installed, depending on brick type, pattern complexity, and labor rates. Materials alone (bricks + mortar) cost $5-$15 per square foot. A 20x8 ft wall typically costs $1,600-$7,200 total.
What mortar type should I use?
Type N mortar is standard for above-grade exterior walls. Type S is stronger and used for below-grade and structural applications. Type M is the strongest, used for foundations and retaining walls. Type O is weakest, used for interior non-load-bearing walls.
How much waste should I plan for?
Plan for 5% waste for simple walls with running bond. Increase to 10% for walls with many cuts (around windows, corners) or complex patterns like herringbone. Keep extra bricks for future repairs — matching bricks later can be difficult.
Can I lay bricks in cold weather?
Avoid laying bricks when temperatures are below 40F or expected to drop below freezing within 24 hours. Cold weather prevents mortar from curing properly, leading to weak joints. If necessary, use winter-grade mortar additives and protect fresh work with insulating blankets.
How long does mortar take to cure?
Mortar reaches initial set in 24-48 hours and full strength in 28 days. Avoid disturbing fresh brickwork for at least 24 hours. Keep mortar moist during the first 3 days for optimal curing, especially in hot or windy conditions.