Brick Calculator
Calculate how many bricks you need for a wall, veneer or patio, and how much mortar to order.
Free · No sign-up · Runs in your browser · Last reviewed November 2026
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About the Brick Calculator
A standard modular brick with a 3/8 inch mortar joint covers about 6.75 bricks per square foot of wall, or 675 bricks per 100 square feet. This brick calculator uses that rate, subtracts door and window openings, and adds a waste allowance. It also estimates 80 pound bags of mortar for the job.
How to use it
- Enter the wall length and height in feet.
- Enter the area of doors and windows and a waste percentage.
- Press Calculate bricks for the brick count, mortar bags and cost.
Brick formula
Bricks = wall area × 6.75 × (1 + waste). A 30 × 8 ft wall with 40 sq ft of openings is 200 sq ft, so you need 1,350 bricks, or 1,485 with 10% waste.
Common brick sizes
| Type | Nominal size | Per sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| Modular | 4 x 2 2/3 x 8 in | 6.75 |
| Queen | 3 1/8 x 2 3/4 x 9 5/8 in | about 5.5 |
| King | 3 x 2 5/8 x 9 5/8 in | about 6 |
Tips
- Order all bricks together to match color.
- Use type N or S mortar as your mason or building code recommends.
- Bricks come on pallets of roughly 500 each, depending on type.
Bricklaying tips and a second example
A garden wall 20 ft long and 6 ft high is 120 sq ft with no openings. At 6.75 bricks per square foot you need 810 bricks, or 891 with 10% waste. That is about 2 pallets of roughly 500, and at 7 to 8 bags of mortar per 1,000 bricks, about 6 to 7 bags of 80 lb mix.
Mistakes to avoid
- Treating all bricks as modular. Queen, king and utility bricks have different sizes, so the 6.75 rate only applies to modular bricks with 3/8 inch joints.
- Ordering in separate batches. Color varies between kilns; blend bricks from several pallets as you lay.
- Skipping the footing. A masonry wall needs a proper footing below the frost line in cold regions. Check local code.
- Forgetting veneer ties and flashing. These are additional materials, especially for a veneer.
Larger masonry or paving jobs may also need the paver calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How many bricks do I need per square foot?
About 6.75 standard modular bricks per square foot, including mortar joints.
How many bricks in 100 square feet?
About 675 bricks without waste, or 743 with 10% waste.
How much mortar per 1,000 bricks?
About 7 to 8 bags of 80 lb mortar mix per 1,000 bricks.
Do I subtract windows and doors?
Yes, subtract large openings for a more accurate count.
How much does brick cost?
Common brick often costs $0.50 to $1.50 each, varying by type and region.
How many bricks are on a standard pallet?
A pallet commonly holds roughly 400 to 550 bricks depending on the type, though suppliers vary. Ask for the exact count in your quote.
Do I need a permit to build a brick wall?
Often yes for walls above a certain height, structural walls and anything near a property line. Requirements vary by city and county, so ask your local building department.
Last reviewed: November 2026.