How many bricks do I need? Calculate the exact number of bricks and mortar bags for your masonry project — no waste, no guesswork.
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Last updated March 31, 2026 by our expert review team
7⅝" × 2¼" × 3⅝"
6.86
bricks per sq ft
8" × 2¼" × 3¾"
6.16
bricks per sq ft
7⅝" × 2¾" × 2¾"
5.76
bricks per sq ft
Ehsan Ghazanfari
Licensed Structural Engineer
FISE-certified structural engineer with 11+ years designing bridges, retaining walls, and foundations. MSc from Aalto University.
See full profileCherry Jane Limbago
Licensed Civil Engineer & Master Plumber
Licensed civil engineer and master plumber with 10+ years in structural design, estimation, and project management. Currently Project Engineer at Universal Robina Corporation.
See full profileUpdated March 2026
How we verify our calculatorsUse Type S mortar for structural or below-grade work (1,800 psi). Reserve Type N (750 psi) for above-grade veneer where flexibility matters more than strength.
Maintain consistent 3/8-inch mortar joints. Joints over 1/2 inch weaken the wall. Use a 3/8-inch jointing tool to compress the surface for better water resistance.
Dampen bricks 20 to 30 minutes before laying. Bone-dry bricks wick moisture from mortar, causing weak joints. Over-wet bricks cause mortar to slide.
Never lay brick below 40°F or above 100°F. Cold mortar freezes before curing; hot mortar dries too fast and cracks. Mix smaller batches in extreme heat.
Choose your bond pattern before ordering. Running bond wastes 5 to 8% on cuts, while herringbone and basketweave waste 12 to 18%.
Mix mortar in batches you can use within 60 to 90 minutes. Do not re-temper with water more than once; it can reduce bond strength by 30 to 50%.
For CMU block walls and foundations, use our concrete block calculator to estimate blocks, mortar, and rebar.
Our brick calculator uses industry-standard formulas based on the Brick Industry Association (BIA) Technical Note 10 to determine the exact number of bricks and mortar bags needed for your masonry project. Building a retaining wall? Our retaining wall calculator handles block-based walls. For mortar sand quantities, use our sand calculator to estimate bulk orders. The calculation starts with the net wall area (length times height), then applies the correct brick count per square foot based on the brick module you select, which already accounts for the standard 3/8-inch mortar joint between each unit.
The per-square-foot counts differ between brick sizes because the mortar joint stays constant while the brick face dimensions change. A modular brick with its 3⅝-inch height yields tighter coursing (6.86 per sq ft), while the taller queen brick spaces courses further apart (5.76 per sq ft). Choosing the wrong brick size in your estimate is one of the most common ordering mistakes. It can mean a 15-20% difference in total brick count.
Mortar quantity is calculated at 7 bags of 80-lb pre-mixed mortar per 1,000 bricks, which assumes standard 3/8-inch bed and head joints in a running bond pattern. If you plan to use thicker joints (some rustic styles use 1/2-inch), increase your mortar estimate by roughly 25%. The waste factor covers cuts at corners, openings, and end-of-course trimming. 10% is adequate for simple rectangular walls, but bump to 15% for walls with multiple windows, arched openings, or decorative patterns like herringbone.
Formula
Wall Area (sq ft) × Bricks per sq ft × (1 + Waste %) = Total Bricks
Total Bricks ÷ 1000 × 7 = Mortar Bags (80 lb)
How many bricks per square foot?
Modular bricks: 6.86/sq ft. Standard: 6.16/sq ft. Queen: 5.76/sq ft. These counts include standard 3/8-inch mortar joint space.
What is the correct mortar mix ratio?
Type S: 1 part Portland cement, 1/2 part lime, 4.5 parts sand. Or use pre-mixed bags. Plan 7 bags of 80-lb mortar per 1,000 bricks.
Type S vs Type N mortar?
Type S (1,800 psi) for structural, below-grade, and retaining walls. Type N (750 psi) for above-grade veneer, partitions, and chimneys.
Is brick veneer the same as structural brick?
No. Structural brick is 8+ inches thick and load-bearing. Veneer is a single 3.5 to 4" layer attached to framing with metal ties, using roughly half the bricks.
How do I match mortar color?
Chip out a sample of old mortar and bring it to a masonry supply store. Mix test batches and let them cure 7 days before comparing.
Can I lay brick in the rain?
Never. Water dilutes mortar, washes cement paste out, and leaves permanent efflorescence stains. Cover fresh work if rain is forecast within 24 hours.
How long does mortar take to cure?
Initial set in 24 to 48 hours, full strength in 28 days. Protect from freezing, rain, and direct sun during the first 72 hours.
Do I need to seal my brick wall?
Exterior walls in freeze-thaw climates benefit from a breathable silane water repellent. Apply after mortar fully cures (28 days minimum).
Using the wrong mortar type
Type N is fine above grade, but below-grade and structural work requires Type S. Check your local code; using the wrong type can mean tearing out the wall.
Laying dry bricks from the pallet
Dry bricks wick moisture from mortar, causing weak joints. Spray with a hose 20 to 30 minutes before use and let surface water flash off.
Making mortar too wet
Soupy mortar shrinks more, has lower strength, and stains brick faces. Proper consistency holds its shape when you slice through it with a trowel.
Not accounting for openings
A 3x5 ft window removes about 15 sq ft (over 100 bricks). Deduct all openings before applying waste factor to the net wall area.
Tooling joints too late
Tool joints when mortar is "thumbprint hard." Too early smears the face; too late cracks the bond and lets water in.
Skipping the first-course dry lay
Dry-lay the first course to check if you end with a full brick or awkward cut. Adjust joint spacing by 1/16 inch across all joints to absorb differences.
Brick Mailbox Column
2 ft × 2 ft × 4 ft tallFill the hollow center with concrete and rebar for structural support. Most DIYers finish in one weekend with a level, mason line, trowel, and jointing tool.
Garden Retaining Wall
20 ft × 3 ft, double wytheDouble-wythe walls need metal ties every 16 in. vertically and horizontally. Add weep holes every 4 ft along the base course with drainage gravel and filter fabric behind.
Brick Veneer Accent Wall
12 ft × 8 ft interiorThin brick veneer (1/2-in. slices) uses polymer-modified thinset instead of mortar. Lightweight and requires no foundation — one of the easiest brick projects for DIYers.
Important Disclaimer
These estimates are for planning purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, material availability, and project complexity. Always get at least 3 local quotes. This calculator does not replace professional advice.