Micro Tools

Brick and Mortar Calculator

Estimate bricks and mortar bags for any wall from its length, height, brick size and waste margin, before you order materials.

Brick and mortar

Enter the wall size. Results update live.

Wall length (ft)

Wall height (ft)

Brick size

Mortar joint (in)

Waste (%)

Bricks needed

Enter the wall size to see the estimate.

How brick counts are estimated

Each brick plus its share of the mortar joint covers a fixed face area, so dividing the wall area by that unit area gives the brick count. Standard bricks with a 3/8 inch joint need about 6.5 bricks per square foot. A waste margin of 5 to 10 percent covers cuts, breakage and mistakes.

Mortar as a rule of thumb

Mortar is estimated at roughly one 80 lb bag per 40 bricks, which suits a 3/8 inch joint. Large projects should confirm with the mortar manufacturer's coverage chart, since deep joints and reclaimed bricks can use noticeably more.

Brick & Mortar Calc FAQs

How many bricks do I need per square foot?

About 6.5 standard bricks per square foot of wall with a 3/8 inch mortar joint. A 100 square foot wall therefore needs roughly 650 bricks before waste.

What waste percentage should I add?

Add 5 percent for simple straight walls and 10 percent for walls with many cuts, corners or openings. It is cheaper to return a few bricks than to run short mid project.

How many mortar bags per 1000 bricks?

Roughly 25 eighty pound bags per 1000 bricks with standard joints. This is a rule of thumb, so check your mortar brand's coverage for a precise order.

Does this include the foundation or footing?

No, this estimates only the wall face. Footings, lintels and any second layer of brick need separate calculations.

Can I use it for a garden wall with no mortar?

Yes for the brick count, just set the joint to the gap you plan between dry stacked bricks and ignore the mortar bag figure.

Brick and mortar

How brick counts are estimated

Mortar as a rule of thumb

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Brick & Mortar Calc FAQs