What is a standard brick size?

In the US, a standard modular brick is 7-5/8" long x 2-1/4" high x 3-5/8" deep (about 194 mm x 57 mm x 92 mm). UK standard bricks are 215 mm x 65 mm x 102.5 mm. Always measure your actual bricks, as sizes vary by manufacturer and style.

What mortar joint thickness should I use?

A 3/8 inch (10 mm) joint is standard for most brick laying. Thicker joints (1/2") are sometimes used for rough bricks. The joint is added to both the length and height of each brick to give the actual course spacing.

Why add a waste percentage?

Bricks are cut to fit corners, openings, and the ends of courses. Breakage during handling and transport also occurs. A 5% allowance is typical for simple walls; use 10% for walls with many openings or complex shapes.

How are mortar bags estimated?

The calculator estimates mortar volume from the joint thickness and the number of joints (horizontal and vertical). One 60 lb (27 kg) pre-mixed mortar bag typically covers about 30–40 bricks at a 3/8" joint. The estimate here uses 35 bricks per bag as a mid-range figure.

Does the calculator handle double-wythe (double-leaf) walls?

Yes. Set the "Number of wythes (wall thickness)" to 2 and the calculator multiplies the brick count accordingly. A single wythe is one brick deep; a double wythe is two bricks deep.

Can I use metric measurements?

Yes. Toggle to Metric mode and enter all dimensions in millimetres (mm). Results remain the same — brick count and mortar bags.

Brick Calculator

Name: Brick Calculator
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Estimate the number of bricks needed for a wall, including mortar joints and waste, plus the bags of mortar required.

Wall Dimensions

Wall Length (ft)

Wall Height (ft)

Brick Size (inches)

Length

Height

Depth

Mortar Joint (in)

Wythes (layers deep)

Waste / Breakage Allowance (%)

Results

Enter dimensions and press Calculate

Summary

Estimate the number of bricks needed for a wall, including mortar joints and waste, plus the bags of mortar required.

How it works

Enter the wall length and height in feet and inches (or metres).
Input the brick dimensions: length, height, and depth.
Set the mortar joint thickness (typically 3/8" or 10 mm).
Choose a waste percentage to cover breakage and cuts (commonly 5–10%).
Click Calculate to see the total brick count and mortar bag estimate.
Adjust inputs and recalculate to compare different brick or joint sizes.

Use cases

Estimating bricks for a garden or retaining wall.
Planning material quantities for a brick house or extension.
Calculating how many bricks you need for a fireplace or chimney.
Budgeting a driveway border or landscaping project.
Comparing single-wythe vs double-wythe wall material costs.
Ordering mortar mix in advance of construction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-06-13 · Reviewed by Nham Vu