Brick Calculator
Estimate the number of bricks and mortar for a wall from its size and the brick type, with waste included.
How it works
bricks = ceil(length × height × bricks per sq ft × 1.10) · mortar ≈ 7 bags per 1,000 bricks
Multiply the wall area by the bricks-per-square-foot figure for the size you are using — a single-wythe modular brick wall runs about 6.9 bricks per square foot including the mortar joint. Adding 10% covers cuts, breakage and closures at openings. Mortar is roughly seven 80 lb bags of masonry cement (mixed with sand) per 1,000 bricks, though joint thickness moves that number.
Worked example
A 20 × 8 ft wall is 160 sq ft. In modular brick: 160 × 6.9 × 1.10 ≈ 1,215 bricks, needing about 9 bags of mortar.
Frequently asked questions
How many bricks are in a square foot?
About 6.9 for a modular brick, 6.55 for standard and 5.7 for the larger queen size, all measured for a single-wythe wall with standard 3/8 in mortar joints. A double-wythe (two-brick-thick) wall doubles the count.
How much mortar will I need?
Plan on roughly 7 bags of masonry cement per 1,000 bricks, blended with sand at about a 1:3 ratio. Thicker joints, rougher brick and spillage all push it up, so keep an extra bag or two on hand.
Why order 10% extra brick?
You cut brick at every opening and wall end, some arrive cracked, and matching a color lot later is nearly impossible. The surplus also becomes your repair stock for years down the road.
Related calculators
Estimates only — add for waste and confirm against local building codes and supplier specs.