Brick Calculator

Estimate how many bricks you need to build a wall based on the wall dimensions, brick size, mortar joint, and waste allowance.

Enter your measurements below to calculate the estimated brick quantity and the approximate number of bricks to purchase.

Calculate Bricks Needed

Enter the wall and brick dimensions to estimate the required number of bricks.

Wall Length (ft)

Wall Height (ft)

Doors & Windows Area (sq ft) Enter the combined area of doors and windows.

Brick Length (in)

Brick Height (in)

Brick Thickness (in)

Mortar Joint Thickness (in) Enter the approximate thickness of the mortar joint.

Waste Allowance (%) Allowance for broken, cut, or damaged bricks.

Brick Calculation Summary

Wall Area

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Brick Size

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Bricks Required

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Bricks to Purchase

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How to Use the Brick Calculator

Start by entering the length and height of the wall. If the wall contains doors or windows, enter their combined area so that this space can be removed from the total wall area.

Next, enter the dimensions of one brick and the approximate mortar joint thickness. Finally, enter a waste allowance to account for damaged or cut bricks.

Enter the wall length.
Enter the wall height.
Enter the total door and window area.
Enter the brick length, height, and thickness.
Enter the mortar joint thickness.
Enter a waste allowance.
Click Calculate Bricks.

Brick Calculator Formula

The calculator first determines the usable wall area by subtracting doors and windows from the total wall area.

Wall Area = Wall Length × Wall Height

Usable Wall Area = Wall Area − Door & Window Area

Effective Brick Length = Brick Length + Mortar Joint

Effective Brick Height = Brick Height + Mortar Joint

Brick Coverage Area = Effective Brick Length × Effective Brick Height

Bricks Required = Usable Wall Area ÷ Brick Coverage Area

A waste allowance is then applied to the estimated brick quantity to provide a practical purchasing estimate.

Brick Calculation Example

Suppose a wall is 20 feet long and 10 feet high, with no openings. If the bricks measure 8 × 4 inches and the mortar joint is 0.375 inches, the calculator determines the effective coverage of each brick including the mortar space.

A waste allowance can then be added to the calculated requirement so you have additional bricks available for breakage, cutting, or other construction losses.

Important Information About Brick Estimates

Brick dimensions and mortar joint thickness can vary significantly between products and construction methods. Always use the actual dimensions of the bricks being purchased.

The calculated quantity is an estimate. Actual requirements can change because of wall layout, corners, openings, cuts, brick breakage, joint thickness, and installation practices.

For major construction projects, compare the estimate with the project's plans, material specifications, and recommendations from a qualified construction professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a brick calculator work?

It estimates the number of bricks by comparing the usable wall area with the effective face area covered by one brick and its mortar joint.

Does the calculator include mortar joints?

Yes. You can enter the mortar joint thickness so the effective coverage of each brick accounts for the space between bricks.

Why should I add a waste allowance?

Extra bricks can be useful because some bricks may break, require cutting, or become damaged during transportation and construction.

Can I use different brick sizes?

Yes. Enter the actual length, height, and thickness of the bricks you intend to use.