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Brick Calculator
Quick answer: A standard modular brick covers about 7 bricks per square foot of wall. Multiply wall area by 7 for the brick count, and plan ~7 bags of mortar per 1,000 bricks.
Find exactly how many bricks your wall needs — plus bags of mortar and tons of sand — for modular, standard, queen, or king brick, with a built-in waste factor.
Results update automatically as you type.
Why brick estimates go wrong
Most people count the face of a brick and forget the mortar joint. A modular brick face is 7 5/8″ × 2 1/4″, but with a 3/8″ mortar joint each brick actually occupies 8″ × 2 2/3″ on the wall. Ignore that joint and you will over-order by roughly 10%. This calculator uses the real installed coverage, so the count matches what the wall consumes.
How to measure your wall
- Length & height: measure in feet and multiply for the gross wall area. Add up each wall separately for a multi-sided project.
- Openings: multiply the width × height of each door and window, add them, and enter the total to subtract.
- Double-wythe walls: if your wall is two bricks thick, double the brick count (mortar and sand scale with it).
Bricks per square foot by size
| Brick type | Nominal face (with joint) | Bricks per sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| Modular | 8 × 2 2/3 in | ~6.9 |
| Standard | 8 × 2 2/3 in (thinner) | ~6.6 |
| Queen | 8 × 3 in | ~5.8 |
| King | 10 × 3 in | ~4.6 |
| Utility | 12 × 4 in | ~3.0 |
Mortar and sand
For standard running-bond brick with 3/8″ joints, plan on roughly 7 bags of mortar and 1 ton of sand per 1,000 bricks. Thicker joints, rougher bricks, and cold weather all increase mortar use, so keep an extra bag or two on hand.
Frequently asked questions
How many bricks do I need per square foot?
About 7 for standard modular brick with a 3/8″ joint. Larger queen and king bricks need fewer — roughly 4.6 to 5.8 per square foot.
How much mortar do I need?
Around 7 bags of masonry cement and 1 ton of sand per 1,000 bricks for 3/8″ joints. Pre-mixed bags differ — check the coverage on the bag.
How much waste should I add?
About 10% for cuts, breakage, and spares. Add more for lots of openings, corners, or decorative bond patterns.