Brick Calculator

How to Use This Brick Calculator

1. Measure and enter the length and height (for walls) or length and width (for patios) in feet
2. Select your brick size from common options including standard, modular, queen, and pavers
3. Choose your project type: single wall, double wythe wall, patio, or veneer facing
4. Select an appropriate waste factor based on pattern complexity and your experience level
5. Review total bricks needed, mortar bag estimates, and pallet quantities

For walls with openings, calculate the total wall area first, then subtract the area of doors and windows before entering your dimensions.

What is a Brick Calculator?

A brick calculator is an essential planning tool for masonry projects that estimates the number of bricks needed based on your project dimensions, brick size, and construction type. Unlike simple area calculations, a proper brick calculator accounts for mortar joint thickness, brick orientation, and the waste factor that every masonry project requires.

Different brick sizes and laying patterns affect coverage significantly. A standard brick laid with 3/8" mortar joints provides different coverage than a modular brick or paver. This calculator uses industry-standard brick counts per square foot based on each size, ensuring accurate estimates whether you're building a garden wall, patio, walkway, or brick veneer facade.

Understanding Brick Sizes

Each brick type has specific dimensions that affect coverage:

• Standard brick: 8" x 2.25" x 4" - The most common size for residential construction. Approximately 7 bricks per square foot when laid with standard mortar joints
• Modular brick: 7.625" x 2.25" x 3.625" - Designed to work with 8" module grid layouts. Slightly smaller face means 6.75 bricks per square foot
• Queen brick: 7.625" x 2.75" x 3" - Taller face creates a distinctive look. Covers more area at 5.5 bricks per square foot
• King brick: 9.625" x 2.75" x 2.75" - Large format brick for quick coverage. Only 4.5 bricks per square foot needed
• Brick pavers: Typically 4" x 8" laid flat. Used for walkways, patios, and driveways. About 4.5 pavers per square foot

Project Type Considerations

The type of brick project affects material requirements:

• Single wythe wall: One brick thick. Common for garden walls, planters, and decorative screens. Uses standard brick count
• Double wythe wall: Two bricks thick with headers tying the wythes together. Provides structural strength. Requires double the bricks
• Veneer/facing: Decorative brick applied over existing structure. Single layer bonded to wall sheathing with metal ties
• Patio/walkway: Pavers laid flat on sand or mortar bed. Consider herringbone or basket weave patterns which may increase waste

Brick Calculation Formulas

The calculator uses these industry-standard formulas:

Bricks = (Square Feet x Bricks per Sq Ft) x (1 + Waste %)

Mortar Bags = Total Bricks / 100 (approximately 1 bag per 100 bricks)

Bricks per square foot by size (including mortar joints):

• Standard: 7 bricks per sq ft
• Modular: 6.75 bricks per sq ft
• Queen: 5.5 bricks per sq ft
• King: 4.5 bricks per sq ft
• Pavers (flat): 4.5 bricks per sq ft

Choosing the Right Waste Factor

• 5% waste: For experienced masons working on simple rectangular projects with few cuts needed
• 10% waste: Standard recommendation for most residential projects. Accounts for cutting, breakage, and defective bricks
• 15% waste: Choose for complex patterns like herringbone, curved walls, or projects with many corners and cuts

Mortar and Material Tips

• Standard mortar joint thickness is 3/8" to 1/2" for walls
• Bricks typically ship 500 per pallet - always round up to full pallets
• Type S mortar is recommended for most exterior applications
• Always order extra bricks from the same lot for future repairs and color matching
• For paver projects, add 1" of sand base and edge restraints to your materials list
• Wet bricks before laying to prevent them from absorbing moisture from mortar too quickly