🧱 Brick Calculator
Calculate bricks needed
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Wall Dimensions
Input the length and height of your wall in feet. Measure the total length and height where you'll be installing bricks. For example, a 20-foot long, 8-foot high wall.
Specify Brick Size
Enter the length and height of your bricks in inches. Standard brick sizes are 8×2.25 inches (modular brick) or 7.625×2.25 inches. Check your brick specifications if using non-standard sizes.
Set Mortar Thickness
Enter the mortar joint thickness in inches (usually 0.5 inches or 3/8 inch). This accounts for the space between bricks filled with mortar.
Calculate and Order
Click "Calculate Bricks" to see the exact amount needed. The calculator automatically adds 10% for waste. Order extra bricks for matching future repairs and cuts.
Formula
Wall Area (sq in) = Length (ft) × Height (ft) × 144
Brick Area with Mortar = (Brick Length + Mortar) × (Brick Height + Mortar)
Bricks Needed = Wall Area ÷ Brick Area (with mortar joint)
Example 1: Standard Wall (20 ft × 8 ft with 8×2.25 inch bricks, 0.5 inch mortar)
Step 1: Calculate wall area: 20 × 8 × 144 = 23,040 square inches
Step 2: Calculate brick area with mortar: (8 + 0.5) × (2.25 + 0.5) = 8.5 × 2.75 = 23.375 sq in
Step 3: Calculate bricks: 23,040 ÷ 23.375 = 985 bricks
Step 4: Add 10% waste: 985 × 1.10 = 1,084 bricks to order
Example 2: Small Wall (10 ft × 6 ft with same bricks)
Step 1: Calculate wall area: 10 × 6 × 144 = 8,640 square inches
Step 2: Brick area: 23.375 sq in (same as above)
Step 3: Calculate bricks: 8,640 ÷ 23.375 = 370 bricks
Step 4: Add waste: 370 × 1.10 = 407 bricks to order
About Brick Calculator
The Brick Calculator is an indispensable tool for masons, contractors, DIY enthusiasts, and homeowners planning brick wall projects. This calculator accurately determines how many bricks are needed for a wall, accounting for mortar joints, and automatically includes a waste allowance to ensure you have enough materials to complete your project.
When to Use This Calculator
- Wall Construction: Calculate bricks needed for new brick walls, garden walls, or privacy walls
- Home Improvement: Estimate materials for brick veneer, fireplaces, or decorative brick features
- Renovation Projects: Determine brick quantities for repairs, additions, or extensions
- Commercial Construction: Plan materials for larger commercial brickwork projects
- Landscaping: Calculate bricks for retaining walls, planters, or outdoor features
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Precise Calculations: Accounts for mortar joints and standard brick dimensions accurately
- ✅ Waste Factor: Automatically includes 10% waste allowance for cuts, breaks, and future repairs
- ✅ Customizable: Adjust brick size and mortar thickness for different brick types and styles
- ✅ Cost Estimation: Helps budget accurately by determining exact material needs
- ✅ Time Savings: Instant calculations eliminate manual counting and estimating
- ✅ Professional Accuracy: Uses industry-standard formulas for contractor-quality results
Common Applications
Residential Construction: Homeowners planning brick walls, fireplaces, or exterior brickwork use this calculator to order the correct quantity of bricks. It prevents costly mistakes from ordering too few or too many bricks, and helps coordinate with suppliers for delivery scheduling.
Professional Masons: Brick masons and contractors rely on accurate brick counts for project estimates, material orders, and cost calculations. This tool provides quick reference for bidding and ensures sufficient materials are on-site before starting work.
DIY Enthusiasts: Weekend warriors tackling brick projects can confidently estimate materials and avoid mid-project trips to the hardware store.
Tips for Best Results
- Standard Brick Sizes: Modular bricks are 8×2.25 inches; Engineer bricks are 8×2.75 inches; Check specifications for your brick type
- Mortar Joints: Standard joints are 0.5 inches (1/2 inch); Some projects use 3/8 inch for tighter joints
- Order Extra: Add 10-15% extra bricks for waste, cuts, and future matching repairs
- Account for Openings: Subtract door and window areas from wall calculations for more accuracy
- Brick Types: Different brick styles (modular, queen, king) have different dimensions—verify before calculating
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bricks do I need for a 20×8 foot wall?
For a 20×8 foot wall using standard 8×2.25 inch bricks with 0.5 inch mortar joints, you'll need approximately 1,084 bricks (including 10% waste). The exact amount depends on your brick size and mortar thickness—use the calculator with your specific measurements for precise results.
What size are standard bricks?
Standard modular bricks are 8 inches long by 2.25 inches high. Engineer bricks are 8×2.75 inches, and queen-size bricks are 8×2.625 inches. Always verify the actual size of your bricks, as dimensions can vary by manufacturer and region.
Why does the calculator add waste?
Bricks break during cutting, transport, and installation. Adding 10% waste ensures you have enough bricks to complete your project even with breakage and cuts around corners, windows, and doors. It also provides spare bricks for future matching repairs.
How do I calculate bricks for a wall with windows and doors?
Calculate the total wall area, then subtract the area of all openings (windows and doors). Use this reduced area in the calculator, or manually subtract opening areas from the calculated brick count. Most windows and doors require 30-50 bricks each depending on size.
What if I'm using different brick sizes?
The calculator allows you to input custom brick dimensions. Simply enter the actual length and height of your bricks in inches. Make sure to measure actual brick size, not nominal size, as manufacturing can create slight variations.
Should I order more bricks than calculated?
Yes! Always order 10-15% more than calculated. Brick colors can vary between batches, so ordering extra ensures you have matching bricks for repairs and replacements. Unused bricks can be returned or saved for future projects.