Brick Quantity Calculator
Calculate the number of bricks needed for walls and structures including mortar joints
Wall Sections
Openings (Deductions)
Bricks Needed
Mortar Bags (80 lb)
Estimated Cost
Detailed Breakdown
Wall Sections
| Section | Length | Height | Area (ft²) |
|---|
Materials Shopping List
| Material | Quantity | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Estimated Cost | |||
Step-by-Step Calculation
Standard Brick Sizes (US)
Brick sizes in the US are specified by their actual dimensions: Width × Height × Length. The most common residential brick is the Modular size, which with a standard 3/8" mortar joint produces a 4" × 2⅔" × 8" coursing module.
| Type | W × H × L (in) | Per ft² (with mortar) | Weight (lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modular | 3⅝ × 2¼ × 7⅝ | 6.86 | 4.2 |
| Standard | 3½ × 2¼ × 8 | 6.55 | 4.5 |
| Queen | 3⅛ × 2¾ × 7⅝ | 5.76 | 5.6 |
| King | 3 × 2¾ × 9⅝ | 4.61 | 5.2 |
| Engineer Modular | 3⅝ × 2 13/16 × 7⅝ | 5.39 | 5.1 |
| Closure | 3⅝ × 3⅝ × 7⅝ | 4.30 | 6.5 |
| Utility | 3⅝ × 3⅝ × 11⅝ | 2.99 | 10.2 |
Brick Bond Patterns
Running / Stretcher Bond
- • Most common pattern for veneer walls
- • All bricks laid as stretchers (long face out)
- • Offset by half a brick each course
- • Single wythe only (not structural)
- • Least brick waste (~5%)
Flemish Bond
- • Alternating stretchers and headers in each course
- • Decorative and structural
- • Used for double-wythe walls
- • More complex to lay
- • ~10% more bricks than running bond
English Bond
- • Alternating courses of all stretchers and all headers
- • Very strong structural bond
- • Used for double-wythe walls
- • Higher brick count per square foot
- • Excellent for load-bearing walls
Stack Bond
- • Joints aligned vertically (no offset)
- • Modern, clean appearance
- • Weakest bond pattern — non-structural
- • Requires reinforcement for stability
- • Same brick count as running bond
Mortar Types and Coverage
Mortar type selection depends on the application. Each type has different compressive strength and flexibility characteristics.
| Type | Strength (psi) | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Type M | 2,500 | Below-grade, retaining walls, foundations |
| Type S | 1,800 | At/below grade, patios, structural walls |
| Type N | 750 | General purpose, above-grade exterior walls |
| Type O | 350 | Interior, non-load-bearing, repointing |
| Type K | 75 | Historic restoration only |
An 80 lb bag of premixed mortar typically covers 12–15 modular bricks with 3/8" joints (approximately 35 bricks per bag for face area only). Coverage varies with joint size and brick dimensions.
Related Calculators
Note: This calculator provides estimates based on standard brick dimensions and mortar joint sizes. Actual quantities may vary due to cutting, breakage, brick irregularities, and complex wall geometries. Always order extra bricks (5–10% minimum) to account for waste. Mortar coverage varies with joint tooling style and mason technique. Consult with a masonry professional for structural applications.
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