Brick Calculator
Estimate bricks, mortar bags, wall area, opening deductions, waste, and material cost.
Wall Dimensions
Current allowance
10%
Adjust waste and openings below.
Ready to calculate
Enter your wall dimensions
Last updated June 11, 2026 by our expert review team
Common Brick Sizes
Modular
7⅝" × 2¼" × 3⅝"
6.86
bricks per sq ft
Standard
8" × 2¼" × 3¾"
6.16
bricks per sq ft
Queen
7⅝" × 2¾" × 2¾"
5.76
bricks per sq ft
Start with net area
Deduct windows, doors, and vents before adding waste.
Match the selected brick
Modular, standard, and queen bricks change the count per square foot.
Expert Contributors
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 June 11, 2026
How we verify our calculatorsBrick Wall Takeoff Guide
A masonry order starts with net wall area, not just wall length. Deduct openings, choose the brick face size, then add cuts and waste.
Use supplier brick dimensions when available. The calculator uses common face counts with a standard 3/8 inch mortar joint.
Pro Tips
Use 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.
How the Calculator Works
The calculator starts with gross wall area, subtracts any opening area you enter, then applies the brick count for the selected face size. The count assumes a standard 3/8 inch mortar joint in a running bond layout.
Modular, standard, and queen brick counts differ because the face height changes while the joint stays about the same. The calculator rounds bricks and mortar bags up, then applies your waste allowance for cuts, corners, chipped units, and layout changes.
Mortar quantity is estimated at 7 bags of 80 lb pre-mixed mortar per 1,000 bricks. Thicker joints, decorative patterns, reclaimed brick, or a wall with many returns can need more mortar and a higher waste allowance.
Formula
Net Area = Length x Height - Opening Area
Bricks = Net Area x Bricks per sq ft x (1 + Waste%)
Mortar Bags = Bricks / 1000 x 7, rounded up (80 lb)
Quick Reference
- Mortar per 1000 bricks
- 7 bags
- Standard joint thickness
- 3/8 inch
- Standard waste factor
- 10%
- Complex projects waste
- 15%
- Type S mortar strength
- 1,800 psi
- Mortar bag weight
- 80 lb
Mortar Calculator Mode: Bags Only
If you already know the brick count, use the mortar estimate as its own quick takeoff. Standard planning is about 7 bags of 80 lb pre-mixed mortar for every 1,000 modular bricks.
Small repair
250 bricks
2 mortar bags
Typical pallet
500 bricks
4 mortar bags
Full 1,000 brick run
1,000 bricks
7 mortar bags
Repointing is different. Measure joint depth and total joint length because old mortar removal can use much less material than laying new brick.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brick and Mortar
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).
Brick and Mortar Mistakes That Cost You Money
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 and Mortar Estimates for Common Projects
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. It is lightweight, needs no foundation, and is 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.