🧱 Mortar Calculator
Calculate mortar needed for brick and block walls
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Wall Dimensions
Input the length, height, and thickness of your brick wall in feet and inches. Measure the total dimensions where you'll be laying bricks.
Specify Brick Dimensions
Enter the length and height of your bricks in inches. Standard modular bricks are 8×2.25 inches. Check your brick specifications for exact dimensions.
Set Mortar Joint Thickness
Enter the mortar joint thickness in inches. Standard joints are 0.5 inches (1/2 inch). Some projects use 3/8 inch for tighter joints.
Calculate and Order Materials
Click "Calculate Mortar" to see the mortar volume, cement bags, and sand needed. The calculator uses a standard 1:3 cement-to-sand ratio and includes waste allowance.
Formula
Wall Volume = Length × Height × Thickness
Brick Volume = Brick Length × Brick Height × Wall Thickness
Number of Bricks = Wall Area ÷ (Brick + Mortar Area)
Mortar Volume = Wall Volume - (Brick Volume × Number of Bricks)
Example 1: Standard Wall (20 ft × 8 ft × 4 inches, 8×2.25 inch bricks, 0.5 inch mortar)
Step 1: Wall volume = 20 × 8 × (4/12) = 53.33 ft³
Step 2: Wall area = 20 × 8 × 144 = 23,040 sq in
Step 3: Brick area with mortar = (8 + 0.5) × (2.25 + 0.5) = 23.375 sq in
Step 4: Number of bricks = 23,040 ÷ 23.375 = 985 bricks
Step 5: Brick volume = (8 × 2.25 × 48) ÷ 1728 = 0.5 ft³ per brick
Step 6: Total brick volume = 0.5 × 985 = 492.5 ft³
Step 7: Mortar volume = 53.33 - 492.5 = Negative - use actual mortar per brick calculation
Alternative: Mortar ≈ 20-25% of wall volume = 10.67 - 13.33 ft³ = 0.40 - 0.49 yd³
About Mortar Calculator
The Mortar Calculator is an essential tool for masons, bricklayers, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts who need to accurately determine how much mortar is required for brick and block wall construction. This calculator calculates mortar volume based on wall dimensions and brick size, then determines cement bags and sand quantities needed for mixing the mortar.
When to Use This Calculator
- Brick Wall Construction: Calculate mortar needed for new brick walls, garden walls, or privacy walls
- Block Work: Determine mortar quantities for concrete block walls and structures
- Masonry Projects: Estimate materials for fireplaces, brick veneer, or decorative features
- Renovations: Plan mortar for repairs, additions, or extensions to existing brickwork
- Professional Estimates: Quick reference for contractors bidding masonry projects
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Accurate Volume: Calculates mortar volume accounting for brick dimensions and joints
- ✅ Material Breakdown: Shows cement bags and sand volumes separately for easy ordering
- ✅ Standard Ratio: Uses industry-standard 1:3 cement-to-sand ratio for mortar
- ✅ Waste Allowance: Automatically includes 10% extra for spillage and waste
- ✅ Time Savings: Eliminates manual calculations and reduces estimation errors
- ✅ Cost Planning: Helps budget accurately by determining exact material needs
Common Applications
Residential Masonry: Homeowners planning brick walls, fireplaces, or exterior brickwork use this calculator to order the correct quantities of cement and sand for mortar mixing. It prevents costly mistakes and ensures sufficient materials are available when needed.
Professional Masons: Brick masons and contractors rely on accurate mortar calculations for project estimates, material orders, and cost calculations. This tool provides quick reference for bidding and ensures materials are ordered correctly before starting work.
Block Construction: Builders constructing concrete block walls use this calculator to determine mortar quantities needed for laying blocks, ensuring adequate materials are on-site for efficient construction.
Tips for Best Results
- Accurate Measurements: Measure wall dimensions carefully, accounting for openings like doors and windows
- Brick Specifications: Verify actual brick dimensions, as sizes vary by manufacturer and region
- Mortar Joints: Standard joints are 0.5 inches; tighter joints (3/8 inch) require more mortar
- Add Waste: Always add 10-15% extra mortar for waste, spillage, and variations in joint thickness
- Order Together: Coordinate cement and sand orders for better pricing and ensure availability
Frequently Asked Questions
How much mortar do I need for a 20×8 foot brick wall?
For a 20×8 foot wall with standard 8×2.25 inch bricks and 0.5 inch mortar joints, you'll need approximately 0.4-0.5 cubic yards of mortar (10-13 cubic feet). This requires about 4-5 bags of 50 kg cement and 1.5-2 cubic yards of sand (1:3 ratio).
What's the standard mortar ratio for bricklaying?
Standard masonry mortar uses a 1:3 ratio (1 part cement to 3 parts sand). This provides good strength and workability for most brick and block work. Some applications use 1:4 for weaker mixes or 1:2 for stronger structural work.
How do I calculate mortar for a wall with windows and doors?
Calculate the total wall area first, then subtract the area of all openings (windows and doors). Use this reduced area in the calculator. Alternatively, calculate each wall section separately and add the volumes together.
Should I order more mortar than calculated?
Yes! Always add 10-15% extra mortar volume to account for waste, spillage, variations in joint thickness, and mistakes. It's better to have a little extra than to run short mid-project, which can cause delays and weak joints.
How much does one cubic yard of mortar cover?
One cubic yard of mortar typically covers approximately 1,200-1,500 square feet of wall area, depending on wall thickness, brick size, and mortar joint thickness. Thicker joints and smaller bricks require more mortar per square foot.
Can I use this calculator for block walls?
Yes! Enter the block dimensions instead of brick dimensions. Standard concrete blocks are 8×8×16 inches (length × height × depth). Adjust the calculator inputs to match your specific block size.