Brick Calculator - How Many Bricks You Need

  • Standard 8 × 2.25 in (with mortar)
  • Modular 7.625 × 2.25 in (with mortar)
  • Queen 8 × 2.75 in (with mortar)
  • King 9.625 × 2.75 in (with mortar)
Results
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Estimate the number of bricks your wall project needs with our Brick Calculator. Enter the wall length and height, pick a brick size, add a waste factor, and get the total brick count instantly.

The calculator uses effective brick dimensions that include standard 3/8-inch mortar joints — the way bricks actually sit in a wall. Four common US brick sizes are supported: standard, modular, queen, and king.

The waste factor covers breakage, cuts around openings, and future repairs: 5-10% for simple straight walls, up to 15% for complex layouts with many corners or openings. Because bricks are sold by the pallet and heavy to transport, ordering a modest surplus is far cheaper than a second delivery mid-project.

Formula
bricks = ceil( wall area (sq ft) × 144 ÷ (brick L × brick H) × (1 + waste%) )

FAQ

How many bricks do I need per square foot?
With mortar joints, a standard brick (8 × 2.25 in) covers about 7.3 bricks per square foot in a running bond. The calculator applies this automatically from your selected brick size.
What waste factor should I use for bricks?
Use 5-10% for straight walls and 10-15% for walls with many openings, corners, or breakage risk. Bricks are heavy to return, so a small surplus is cheaper than a second delivery.
Does mortar affect the brick count?
Yes. Mortar joints (typically 3/8 inch) are included in the effective brick size used by the calculator — without them the count would be significantly higher.
How do I calculate bricks for a wall with openings?
Calculate the full wall area first, then subtract door and window areas. Alternatively, add a slightly higher waste factor (10-15%) to compensate for small openings.

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