Brick & Mortar Tool
Build with confidence. Estimate the total number of bricks and bags of mortar mix required for your wall, accounting for joint thickness.
Includes a 5% waste factor.
Masonry Math Explained
I genuinely believe that masonry is an art form, but its foundation is pure math. When you calculate bricks per square foot, you must include the "Mortar Joint." Even a small 3/8-inch joint adds up significantly over a large wall, reducing the total number of bricks needed while increasing the volume of mortar required.
Bricks per Square Foot: For a standard modular brick with a 3/8" joint, the industry standard is roughly **6.75 to 7 bricks** per square foot. If you are building a "double wythe" wall (two bricks thick), you'll need to double this number.
Material Estimates:
- Mortar: A standard 80lb bag of pre-mixed mortar typically covers about 30 standard bricks.
- Waste: Brick is brittle. Always order 5-10% more than your calculation to account for broken bricks and cuts.
- Structural Weight: Brick is extremely heavy. Ensure your footer or foundation can support the total weight calculated above.