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Brick Calculator

Enter your wall or patio dimensions, brick size, and mortar joint. Get brick count and mortar bag estimates instantly.

Brick Calculator
✓ Your estimate
Bricks needed
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bricks (includes waste)
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Mortar Bags (60 lb)
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Wall Sq Ft
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Bricks / Sq Ft
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Courses High

What this estimate includes

This calculator gives you the total brick count for your wall or patio area, plus 60-lb bags of mortar mix. Brick count is based on standard coverage rates for each brick size and joint width. A waste allowance covers breakage, cuts, and short pieces at corners and edges.

How it's calculated

Wall area (sq ft) = Length × Height Wall area is used for both brick count and mortar estimate Bricks = area × bricks per sq ft × (1 + waste %) Standard/Modular: 6.75/sq ft (3/8" joint) · Queen: 4.61/sq ft · Utility: 3.0/sq ft Mortar bags = area × mortar factor 3/8" joint: ~7 bags per 100 sq ft · 1/2" joint: ~9 bags per 100 sq ft (60 lb bags)

Worked example

Example: 20 ft × 4 ft wall, standard brick, 3/8" joint, 10% waste

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Wall area: 20 × 4 = 80 sq ft
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Bricks: 80 × 6.75 × 1.10 = 594 bricks
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Mortar: 80 × 7/100 = 5.6 → 6 bags of 60 lb mortar mix
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Courses: 48" ÷ 2.625" per course ≈ 18 courses high

Before you buy

Buying tips

  • Order bricks from the same pallet or delivery — color can vary between production runs.
  • Buy 10–15% more than calculated; returned bricks are often restocking-fee'd, but running short mid-project is far more disruptive.
  • For exterior walls, use Type S mortar for freeze-thaw resistance; Type N for above-grade interior or mild climate work.
  • Use a 3/8" V-joint or concave trowel tool on mortar joints to help shed water and prevent cracking.
  • For patios laid on sand (dry-set), skip the mortar bags — use sand fill for joints instead.
  • Account for piers, corners, and soldier courses separately — they use bricks at different rates than a plain running bond.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many bricks do I need per square foot of wall?
Standard and modular bricks with a 3/8-inch mortar joint cover approximately 6.75 bricks per square foot of wall face. Queen size bricks cover about 4.61 per square foot, and utility bricks cover about 3 per square foot. This calculator applies your chosen brick size and joint width to give you a precise count including waste.
How many bags of mortar do I need for bricklaying?
Plan on approximately 7 bags of 60-lb mortar mix per 100 square feet of wall with 3/8-inch joints. With 1/2-inch joints you will need roughly 9 bags per 100 square feet. Add 10 percent waste to account for spillage, mixing waste, and joints that run a bit thick.
What is the difference between standard, modular, queen, and utility brick sizes?
Standard and modular bricks have the same face dimensions (about 7-5/8 by 2-1/4 inches) and require the same count per square foot. Queen bricks are longer and taller (9-5/8 by 2-3/4 inches) so you need fewer per square foot. Utility bricks are the largest common size (11-5/8 by 3-5/8 inches) and cover the most area per individual brick.
Should I use a 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch mortar joint for brickwork?
3/8-inch joints are standard for most residential brickwork and exterior walls. They provide a traditional look and use less mortar. 1/2-inch joints are used when bricks are slightly irregular, when you need to accommodate slight size variations, or for retaining wall and heavy-duty applications where added mortar improves bond strength.
How much waste should I plan for when ordering bricks?
Add 10 percent waste for simple rectangular projects with straight runs. Add 15 percent if the project has corners, curves, or requires many cuts. Add 20 percent for first-time bricklayers or complex patterns like herringbone. Bricks break during delivery and cutting, and having extras avoids mid-project material runs where dye lots may not match.
Do I need different mortar for outdoor brickwork versus interior?
Outdoor brickwork should use Type S or Type N mortar. Type S is stronger and handles freeze-thaw cycles better, making it ideal for below-grade and retaining walls. Type N is good for above-grade walls in moderate climates. Avoid indoor mortar mixes for exterior projects as they may not have adequate weather resistance.
Can I use this calculator for a brick patio or path?
Yes. For a flat patio or path, enter the length and width of the area. The calculator treats the area as a flat surface and gives you brick count and mortar estimates. For patios with sand-set bricks and no mortar joints, you can skip the mortar result and use only the brick count with your waste allowance.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides planning estimates only. Actual quantities depend on brick size tolerances, mortar mix yield, joint tooling, and installer technique. Always verify final quantities with your brick supplier before purchasing. See all outdoor calculators.