Brick Calculator
Count the bricks and mortar needed for a wall of any size.
What you'll need to order
- modular brick
- type N mortar
- masonry sand
- wall ties
- weep vents
Prices vary by region and haul distance. Get quotes from at least two local suppliers.
How this calculator works
bricks = (length × height − openings) × 6.86 × 1.05
A modular brick measures 7 5/8 by 2 1/4 inches and with a 3/8 inch mortar joint occupies 8 by 2 5/8 inches — 6.86 bricks per square foot. Queen and king sizes differ, so confirm before ordering.
Worked example
With wall length 10 ft, wall height 8 ft, openings to deduct 0 sq ft, this calculator returns 576.24 .
Waste allowance
The headline figure includes a 5% allowance for waste and over-ordering. The exact requirement is shown alongside it.
Bricks needed by wall height
Figures below assume wall length 20 ft × openings to deduct 0 sq ft. Change any measurement in the calculator to get your own numbers.
| Wall height | Bricks needed | Mortar bags (70 lb) (bags) | Net wall area (sq ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 ft | 288.1 | 2.30 | 40.00 |
| 3 ft | 432.2 | 3.46 | 60.00 |
| 4 ft | 576.2 | 4.61 | 80.00 |
| 6 ft | 864.4 | 6.91 | 120.0 |
| 8 ft | 1,152 | 9.22 | 160.0 |
| 10 ft | 1,441 | 11.52 | 200.0 |
A 20 ft wall with no openings. Modular brick at about 6.75 per square foot of face, plus a 5% breakage allowance.
How many bricks for a wall, veneer or patio?
| Job | Size | Bricks needed | Material cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garden wall | 20 ft × 3 ft × 0 sq ft | 432.2 | $1,080 – $2,593 |
| Front elevation veneer | 40 ft × 9 ft × 120 sq ft | 1,729 | $4,322 – $10,372 |
| Single wall of a house | 30 ft × 18 ft × 90 sq ft | 3,241 | $8,103 – $19,448 |
| Boundary wall | 80 ft × 6 ft × 0 sq ft | 3,457 | $8,644 – $20,745 |
| Chimney breast | 5 ft × 20 ft × 0 sq ft | 720.3 | $1,801 – $4,322 |
Openings are the total square footage of doors and windows. Do not deduct anything under about 10 sq ft — the cuts around it use the material anyway.
Cost range uses $3–$6 per brick installed for material only.
What does brickwork cost?
Material typically runs $3 to $6 per brick installed. Installed, including mortar and labour. The bricks themselves are $0.40 to $1.20 each — like block, this is a labour-dominated trade.
What moves the price:
- Brick type: common facing brick against handmade, reclaimed or glazed
- Bond pattern — anything other than running bond is slower to lay
- Height, since scaffolding is needed above about 6 ft
- Whether the wall is structural or a veneer over sheathing
Prices are US averages and move with fuel, season and haul distance. Always get two local quotes before budgeting.
Brick sizes and coverage
| Type | Bricks per sq ft of wall | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Modular (7 5/8 x 2 1/4 in) | 6.75 | The US standard; assumed here |
| Standard (8 x 2 1/4 in) | 6.55 | Slightly larger face |
| Queen | 5.75 | Taller course, fewer per square foot |
| King | 4.90 | Larger still; common on new builds |
| Utility | 3.00 | Big format, fast to lay |
| Thin brick veneer | 6.75 | Same coverage, no structural role |
Coverage assumes a 3/8 inch mortar joint. A half-inch joint drops the count by roughly 5%, which is within the waste allowance either way.
Frequently asked questions
How many bricks do I need for a wall?
Multiply wall area in square feet by 6.75 for modular brick, then add 5% for breakage. A 20 by 8 ft wall needs about 1,130 bricks.
How much does a brick wall cost per square foot?
$18 to $40 per square foot installed for a structural wall, less for thin veneer. Materials are a small share — most of it is skilled labour.
How many bricks can a bricklayer lay in a day?
Four hundred to 600 on a straight run, considerably fewer around openings, corners and detailing. That rate is why brickwork is priced by the labour hour, not the brick.
How many bricks are in a square foot?
Just under seven — 6.86 for standard modular brick with a 3/8 inch mortar joint. Queen size works out to about 5.8 per square foot and king size to 4.6.
How many bricks does a bag of mortar lay?
Roughly 125 bricks per 70 lb bag of type N mortar mix, assuming a 3/8 inch joint. Add masonry sand if you are mixing from portland and lime rather than using pre-blended bags.
How much waste should I allow on brick?
Five percent for a plain running bond wall, and 10% where there are many corners, arches or a pattern requiring cuts. Order the whole job at once — brick colour varies noticeably between production runs.
What mortar type should I use for brick?
Type N for most above-grade walls — it is softer than the brick and lets the wall move without cracking the units. Type S goes below grade or where structural strength matters. Type M is rarely right for residential brickwork.