Brick Calculator
Estimate brick count for walls and brick veneer from wall area, openings, brick size, mortar joint thickness, waste, and optional price per brick.
This page is for brick wall quantity takeoffs. For CMU or concrete block walls, use the Concrete Block Calculator.
Results
Planning estimate only. Brick size, bond pattern, cuts, openings, breakage, and job conditions can change the final order. Confirm brick dimensions and layout before ordering.
How to use this calculator
- 01Choose Wall Dimensions or Known Area.
- 02Enter wall length and height, or enter the wall area you already measured.
- 03Subtract total opening area for doors, windows, vents, and other cutouts.
- 04Choose a brick size preset or enter custom brick length and height.
- 05Set the mortar joint thickness, then add waste for cuts and breakage.
- 06Use Bricks Needed as the order quantity, and enter price per brick only when you want a rough material cost.
If the wall is irregular, measure the area first with the Square Footage Calculator, then enter the total in Known Area mode.
Understanding the math
Brick quantity starts with net wall area. The calculator subtracts openings, adds the mortar joint to the brick face size, divides area by that nominal face area, then adds waste and rounds up.
wall_area = length x height net_area = wall_area - openings_area
nominal_face_area = (brick_length + joint) x (brick_height + joint) bricks_before_waste = net_area / nominal_face_area
bricks_needed = ceil(bricks_before_waste x (1 + waste_percent / 100)) estimated_cost = bricks_needed x price_per_brick
Brick count uses the face area of each brick plus the mortar joint. It does not design the wall, check structure, or estimate mortar mix bags.
Brick reference table
Common brick face sizes and planning inputs. Actual manufacturer dimensions can vary, so edit the brick size when you have product data.
| Item | Typical value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Modular brick | 7 5/8 in x 2 1/4 in | Common wall brick face size |
| Standard / common | 8 in x 2 1/4 in | Check actual manufacturer size |
| Queen brick | 7 5/8 in x 2 3/4 in | Taller face, fewer bricks |
| Engineer modular | 7 5/8 in x 3 5/8 in | Taller modular option |
| Typical joint | 3/8 in | Included in nominal face area |
| Typical waste | 5-10% | Use more for cuts or openings |
| Openings | Enter total sq ft | Subtract doors, windows, vents, and other cutouts |
Frequently asked questions
How many bricks do I need?
You need enough bricks to cover the net wall area after subtracting openings. Brick size and mortar joint thickness set the face area per brick, then waste adds extra bricks for cuts, breakage, and layout.
How do I calculate how many bricks I need?
Calculate the wall area, subtract openings, divide by the nominal brick face area, then add waste and round up. For irregular wall shapes, use the Square Footage Calculator first, then enter the known wall area here.
How many bricks per square foot?
It depends on brick size and mortar joint thickness. A modular brick with a 3/8 inch joint is about 6.86 bricks per sq ft, but the calculator uses the exact brick size and joint you enter.
How much area does 1000 bricks cover?
Coverage depends on brick face size and mortar joint. Use area = 1000 x nominal brick face area. With modular brick and a 3/8 inch joint, 1000 bricks cover about 145.8 sq ft before waste.
How many bricks do I need for a 12x12 room?
A 12x12 room measurement is only the floor size. Brick quantity depends on wall height, how many walls are brick, openings, brick size, joint thickness, and waste. Four 12 ft walls at 8 ft high make 384 sq ft of gross wall area before openings.
Does this include mortar?
The brick count uses mortar joint thickness for spacing, but this page does not estimate brick mortar bags or mix quantities. Use the Mortar Calculator for brick mortar quantities. For concrete block or CMU walls, use the Concrete Block Calculator, which includes block mortar bag estimates.
Can I use this calculator with metric measurements?
Yes. Use the Imperial/Metric toggle. Inputs, results, reference values, and examples follow the active unit system where applicable.
Related calculators
Square Footage Calculator
Calculate wall or surface area first, then bring the total into Known Area mode.
Mortar Calculator
Estimate masonry mortar bags for brickwork or blockwork from unit count, wall area, coverage per bag, and waste.
Concrete Block Calculator
Estimate CMU block count, mortar bags, wall weight, and optional fill for concrete block walls.