What Is the Brick Calculator?
The Brick Calculator is a free online tool designed for contractors and DIY builders who need quick, accurate calculations in the construction and building space. By entering your wall length, wall height, brick size, you get instant results including bricks needed, mortar bags, wall ties. No formulas to memorize, no spreadsheets to build — just enter your numbers and get the answer in seconds. Whether you're a beginner or experienced professional, this calculator saves you time and eliminates guesswork.
Why This Calculation Matters
Getting bricks needed right can make the difference between success and costly mistakes. In construction and building, small errors compound quickly. Manual calculations are error-prone and time-consuming, especially under pressure. This calculator applies proven formulas used by contractors and DIY builders worldwide, giving you confidence that your numbers are correct. Use it to plan your projects with precision and avoid common pitfalls that trip up beginners.
When Should You Use This Calculator?
This tool is most useful when you know your wall length and need to find the right bricks needed. It's also great for quick estimates before committing to a decision, and to double-check manual calculations or professional quotes, and when comparing different scenarios side by side. Bookmark this page and come back whenever you need a fast, reliable answer — the calculator is always free and requires no signup.
Brick Calculator
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter Your Wall Length (ft): Start by entering your wall length — this is the primary input for the calculation.
- Fill In Additional Details: Complete the remaining fields: wall height, brick size, mortar joint width, openings to deduct — doors + windows, waste allowance, price per brick. Each value refines the calculation for greater accuracy.
- Click Calculate: Hit the Calculate button to run the numbers. Results appear instantly below.
- Review Your Results: Check your bricks needed, mortar bags, wall ties. Use these figures to inform your next decision or compare against alternative scenarios.
How to Calculate Bricks
Brick calculations are based on the wall area divided by the area each brick covers (including its mortar joint). The result is multiplied by a waste factor for cuts and breakage.
- Gross area = wall length × wall height
- Net area = gross area − openings (doors, windows)
- Bricks per sq ft = based on brick size + mortar joint (~6.75 for standard with 3/8" joint)
- Mortar: 1 bag (80 lb) lays ~35–40 bricks
- Wall ties: 1 per ~2.67 sq ft (16"×16" grid)
- Add 5–10% waste for cuts and breakage
Tips & Considerations
- Double-check your wall length before calculating — even small input errors can significantly change your results.
- Run the calculator with different values to compare scenarios and find the optimal approach for your situation.
- Pay attention to both bricks needed and mortar bags — they work together to give you the full picture.
- Bookmark this page for quick access next time you need to plan your projects.
- If you're unsure about your price per brick, start with a conservative estimate and adjust from there.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bricks per square foot?
With standard modular bricks and 3/8" mortar joints: about 6.75 per sq ft. With 1/2" joints: about 6.16 per sq ft. This is for a single-wythe wall in running bond pattern.
How do I calculate bricks for a wall?
Wall length × height = gross area. Subtract openings. Multiply net area by bricks/sq ft. Add 5-10% waste. Example: 20×8 ft wall minus 36 sq ft openings = 124 sq ft × 6.75 = 837 + 5% = 879 bricks.
How much mortar do I need?
One 80 lb bag lays ~35-40 bricks with 3/8" joints. For 1,000 bricks, plan on 27-29 bags. Type S mortar for structural walls; Type N for non-bearing.
What size is a standard brick?
US standard modular: 3.625" × 2.25" × 8" (actual). With 3/8" mortar, nominal dimensions are 4" × 2.667" × 8.375", coursing to 3 bricks per 8" of height.
How many wall ties do I need?
One tie per 2.67 sq ft — every 16" horizontally and 16" vertically (every 6 courses). Extra ties within 12" of all openings.
How much waste to plan for?
5% for straight walls. 10% for many openings. 15% for arches and complex patterns. Order from one lot to ensure color consistency.