Brick Calculator
Miscounting bricks is an expensive mistake — running short mid-project can mean waiting weeks for a matching batch. This brick calculator estimates the total bricks needed including a 10% waste factor for cuts and breakage, plus the exact count without waste for comparison.
Advertisement
Calculator
See your Brick Calculator results
Enter your email to unlock results — free forever.
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe at any time.
Advertisement
Formula
Bricks = Wall Area × Bricks per sq ft × 1.10
Wall Area is in square feet. Bricks per sq ft depends on brick size — standard US bricks (3.75" × 8") laid in a running bond use about 6.75 bricks per sq ft, rounded to 7. The 1.10 multiplier adds 10% for waste and cuts.
How to use the Brick Calculator
- 1
Enter your wall area (sq ft)
Value should be in sq ft.
- 2
Enter your bricks per sq ft
- 3
Read your results instantly
Results update in real time as you type.
Advertisement
Standard Brick Coverage
The number of bricks per square foot depends on brick size and joint width. Standard US modular bricks (3-5/8" × 2-1/4" × 7-5/8") with 3/8" mortar joints cover approximately 6.75 bricks per sq ft, commonly rounded to 7. Larger queen-sized or king-sized bricks cover fewer per square foot. Always confirm coverage with your brick supplier, as sizes vary by manufacturer and region.
Accounting for Openings
When calculating wall area for a building, subtract the area of windows and doors. Each standard door opening (3 ft × 7 ft = 21 sq ft) and window (e.g. 3 ft × 4 ft = 12 sq ft) reduces the brick count significantly on large projects. For garden walls and retaining walls without openings, simply calculate the full face area.
Tips & Insights
Always Add 10% for Waste
The 10% waste factor covers cuts around corners, windows, and doors, plus breakage during delivery and laying. Complex patterns like herringbone or diagonal require up to 15% extra.
Order From One Batch
If possible, order all bricks at once from the same production run. Bricks fired in different batches can vary slightly in color — a difference that becomes obvious on the finished wall.
Check Absorption Before Laying
Test a few bricks by dropping water on them. Highly absorbent bricks should be dampened before laying to prevent them from drawing water out of the mortar and causing weak joints.
Worked Examples
Garden Wall
616 bricks needed with waste — 560 without. Order at least 616 from one batch.
Fireplace Facade
231 bricks including 10% waste allowance for cuts around the firebox opening.
Advertisement
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bricks do I need per square foot?
Standard US modular bricks require approximately 6.75–7 bricks per square foot with standard 3/8-inch mortar joints.
How much does 1,000 bricks cost?
Brick prices vary widely by type and region, but common face bricks typically cost $350–$900 per 1,000 bricks. Decorative or specialty bricks can be significantly more.
How many bricks are in a pallet?
A standard pallet holds 500–510 standard bricks. Always verify with your supplier, as this varies by brick size.
How do I calculate mortar for brick laying?
A general rule is 1 cubic foot of mortar per 40 bricks. For every 1,000 bricks, plan on roughly 25 cubic feet of mortar.
Can I mix brick from different suppliers?
It's best to avoid mixing bricks from different suppliers or batches, as color, texture, and size can vary enough to be noticeable in the finished work.
Advertisement