BuildCalc Pro

Brick & Block Calculator

Calculate the number of bricks, blocks, or CMUs needed for walls and masonry projects, plus mortar bags.

Written & reviewed by Michael FairUpdated June 2026Based on U.S. codes & pricingHow we calculate

Masonry Material Estimation: Bricks, Blocks & Mortar

Masonry construction requires careful material planning. Whether you are building a brick wall, block foundation, or decorative veneer, knowing exactly how many bricks and how much mortar you need prevents delays and waste.

Standard bricks measure 3-5/8 × 2-1/4 × 8 inches and cover approximately 6.75 bricks per square foot of wall with standard 3/8-inch mortar joints. Concrete blocks (CMUs) are typically 8 × 8 × 16 inches and cover about 1.125 blocks per square foot.

Mortar is the binding agent between masonry units. For standard bricks, plan on approximately 7 bags of mortar per 1,000 bricks. For concrete blocks, use about 3 bags per 100 square feet of wall. Type N mortar is used for above-grade work, while Type S is required for below-grade and high-wind areas.

A 10-15% waste factor is standard for masonry projects. Bricks break during transport and cutting, and you will need partial bricks at corners and openings. Keep extra bricks for future repairs — matching brick color and texture from a different batch can be nearly impossible.

Labor costs for masonry are significant. An experienced mason can lay 400-500 standard bricks per day. Professional brick installation costs $8-$15 per square foot for labor. Block walls cost $5-$10 per square foot for labor. Complex patterns like herringbone or basket weave increase labor time by 30-50%.

How to Use This Calculator

1. Select Imperial or Metric. 2. Enter wall length and height. 3. Choose brick or block type. 4. Adjust waste percentage (5% standard, more for complex patterns). 5. Optionally enter cost per brick/block. 6. Click "Calculate" to see your estimate. Note: For walls with openings (windows/doors), measure and subtract those areas from the total length/height, or use the net wall dimensions.

Understanding Your Result

Your brick/block result tells you total units needed (including waste) plus mortar bags. Standard modular bricks cover about 6.75 bricks per square foot of wall (with 3/8" mortar joints). Concrete blocks (CMU 8×8×16) cover 1.125 blocks per square foot. The waste factor accounts for cuts, breakage during transport, and damaged units — 5% for simple walls, 10% for walls with openings or corners, and 15% for arches, curves, or decorative patterns.

Worked Example

Single-Wythe Brick Wall — 20 ft × 6 ft

  1. 1Wall dimensions: 20 ft long × 6 ft tall = 120 sq ft of face area.
  2. 2Bricks needed: 120 × 6.75 bricks/sq ft = 810 bricks.
  3. 3Add 10% waste: 810 × 1.10 = 891 bricks.
  4. 4Mortar: 891 ÷ 1,000 × 7 bags = 6.2 → round to 7 bags of Type S mortar (80 lb each).
  5. 5Brick cost: 891 × $0.50–$1.00 = $446–$891.
  6. 6Mortar cost: 7 bags × $10–$15 = $70–$105.
  7. 7Total materials: $516–$996 (labor adds $8–$15/sq ft if hiring a mason).

891 bricks + 7 bags of mortar — roughly $516–$996 in materials for a 120 sq ft garden or boundary wall.

Assumptions Behind This Estimate

  • Standard modular brick: 3-5/8" × 2-1/4" × 7-5/8" with 3/8" mortar joints = 6.75 bricks per sq ft.
  • Standard CMU block: 7-5/8" × 7-5/8" × 15-5/8" (nominal 8×8×16) = 1.125 blocks per sq ft.
  • Mortar coverage: approximately 7 bags (80 lb) of pre-mixed Type S mortar per 1,000 standard bricks.
  • Single-wythe (one brick thick) construction assumed — double-wythe walls require 2× the brick count.
  • No deduction for openings under 4 sq ft (standard practice — the extra bricks cover cuts around the opening).

Before You Buy: Practical Advice

  • Order all your bricks from the same production lot — color varies noticeably between lots. Ask the supplier for the lot/run number.
  • Always "dry stack" (lay without mortar) the first course to verify spacing and minimize awkward cuts at corners.
  • Type S mortar is the best general-purpose choice for structural and exterior walls. Type N is softer and better for non-load-bearing interior work. Never use Type S below grade — use Type M instead.
  • Keep mortar joints consistent at 3/8". Thick joints (1/2"+) look sloppy and are structurally weaker; thin joints (1/4") don't bond well.
  • Wet the bricks lightly before laying — dry bricks wick moisture from the mortar too fast, causing weak joints. But don't soak them; dripping-wet bricks slide off the mortar bed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many bricks do I need for a wall?

Multiply the wall length by height (in feet) to get square footage, then multiply by 6.75 bricks per square foot for standard bricks. A 20-foot long, 8-foot high wall needs approximately 1,080 bricks before waste factor. Add 10% waste for a total of about 1,188 bricks.

How much mortar do I need per 1000 bricks?

Plan for approximately 7 bags (80 lb each) of mortar per 1,000 standard bricks. This assumes standard 3/8-inch mortar joints. Wider joints or heavy buttering technique may require 8-10 bags per 1,000 bricks.

What is the difference between brick and block construction?

Bricks are smaller clay units (3-5/8" × 2-1/4" × 8") used primarily for walls and veneer. Concrete blocks (CMUs) are larger (8" × 8" × 16") and are used for structural walls, foundations, and retaining walls. Block construction is faster but brick offers a more refined aesthetic.

How much does a brick wall cost per square foot?

A standard brick wall costs $10-$25 per square foot installed, including materials and labor. Veneer brick (single wythe over framing) costs $8-$15 per square foot. Decorative or specialty bricks can cost $15-$35+ per square foot.