Brick Calculator
Use this brick calculator to estimate how many bricks and how much mortar you need for a wall. It follows the Omni layout for wall area, mortar-joint spacing, wall type, brick wastage, and mortar-material takeoff. You can also turn the material estimate into a rough cost by adding brick, cement, and sand prices.
Brick and Mortar Estimate
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Quick Answer: Brick count starts with wall area divided by the effective brick face area including the mortar joint. After that, you add a wastage allowance and, if you want a fuller estimate, use the wet mortar volume and mix ratio to calculate cement and sand quantities.
How to Calculate
- Enter the wall dimensions: Use the planned wall length and height to establish the gross wall area.
- Enter the brick and joint size: Use the brick face dimensions and the mortar-joint thickness that match your project.
- Choose the wall type and wastage: Single and double walls need different quantities, and wastage covers cuts and breakage.
- Review materials and cost: The calculator returns bricks, mortar volume, cement bags, sand quantity, and estimated cost.
Formula
bricks needed = ceil(wall area / ((brick length + joint) x (brick height + joint)) x wall type)
| Variable | Meaning | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| wall area | Wall length multiplied by wall height | sq units |
| joint | Mortar joint thickness | length |
| wall type | Single or double brickwork factor | dimensionless |
| wastage | Extra percentage for cuts and breakage | % |
Worked Examples
Masonry - Single-skin garden wall
- Wall size: 20 ft x 6 ft
- Brick face: 8 in x 2.25 in
- Joint: 0.375 in
- Wastage: 5%
Result: The total brick count includes both the base quantity and the wastage allowance
A small change in joint thickness can noticeably affect the quantity because it changes the effective module size.
Interpretation Table
| Range | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Lower brick count | Smaller wall or larger brick module | Good for a quick order, but keep spare bricks for cuts and breakage. |
| Higher mortar volume | Thicker joints or a larger wall | Check the mortar mix, bag size, and sand delivery unit before ordering. |
| Higher total cost | More bricks, more mortar, or higher unit prices | Break the estimate into brick cost and mortar cost to see which part drives the budget. |
Frequently Asked Questions
The brick count depends on the full module size, which is the brick face plus the mortar joint. Ignoring the joint usually overestimates the number of bricks.
A small, simple wall may use a modest allowance, while cuts, corners, or transport losses can justify a higher percentage. Use a project-specific allowance rather than a fixed assumption.
Yes. The wall-type factor adjusts the estimate for single or double construction, which changes both brick count and mortar demand.
Note: This is an estimating tool. Actual brick and mortar demand can change with openings, bond pattern, cuts, workmanship, and local masonry practice.
References
Last reviewed: March 14, 2026