How the brick calculator works
The calculator first finds the gross wall face area and subtracts the combined area of doors, windows and other openings.
It then adds the mortar joint to the actual brick face length and height to form the masonry module used for the quantity estimate.
The net wall area is divided by the module area, then multiplied by the number of wall layers. Finally, the selected waste allowance is applied and the result is rounded upward to a whole brick.
Actual brick size vs. nominal or modular size
Enter the actual brick face dimensions, not a nominal size that already includes the mortar joint. The calculator adds the mortar joint itself.
For example, the default imperial inputs use a brick face of 7.625 × 2.25 inches and a 0.375-inch joint, creating an 8 × 2.625 inch module.
Brick dimensions differ by region, manufacturer and product. The default values are only starting examples. Measure the brick or use the manufacturer's stated actual dimensions for a project estimate.
Brick calculator example
A 20 ft × 8 ft wall has a gross face area of 160 ft². If doors and windows account for 21 ft², the net wall area is 139 ft².
With the default 8 × 2.625 inch masonry module, one square foot contains about 6.857 brick modules. The calculator applies this rate to the net wall area, then adds the selected waste allowance.
What are wall layers or wythes?
A wythe is a vertical layer of masonry units. A wall with one visible brick layer can be estimated with one layer. Two parallel brick layers require roughly twice the face-unit quantity before allowing for construction details.
This input is a quantity multiplier only. It does not design cavity walls, ties, insulation, structural connections or bond patterns.
Doors and windows
Enter the combined face area of openings to deduct them from the wall before calculating brick quantity.
Course and bricks-per-course figures describe the full rectangular wall layout before openings are deducted. Actual placement around doors and windows can require cuts, half bricks, lintels and bond adjustments.
Why add waste?
Brickwork commonly requires extra units for cuts, breakage, color selection, layout adjustments and other job-site losses. The waste percentage is user controlled so it can be adjusted for the project.
Does this calculator estimate mortar?
No. Mortar quantity depends on brick dimensions, wall thickness, bond, joint profile, joint depth, product yield and field conditions. This calculator does not assume a universal mortar-bag yield.
Brick walls vs. concrete block walls
This calculator is intended for brick masonry based on a brick face module. For larger concrete masonry units, use the Concrete Block Calculator.
For solid poured concrete walls, use the Concrete Wall Calculator.
This calculator estimates brick quantity. It does not determine wall thickness, structural capacity, foundations, reinforcement, lintels, ties, cavity details, moisture protection or other construction requirements. Follow the project drawings and applicable requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Should I enter actual or nominal brick dimensions?
Enter actual brick face length and height. Enter the mortar joint separately because the calculator adds it to form the masonry module.
Does the calculator subtract doors and windows?
Yes. Enter their combined area in the opening-area field and it is deducted before brick quantity is calculated.
Can I calculate a double-layer brick wall?
Yes. Set wall layers to 2. The calculator doubles the face-unit quantity while retaining the same wall length and height.
Does the result include waste?
Yes. The final bricks-to-buy result includes the selected waste percentage.
Does the calculator estimate brick cost?
Yes. Enter an optional price per brick and the calculator multiplies it by the final bricks-to-buy quantity.
Using this calculator effectively
The Brick Calculator estimates how many bricks are needed for a wall using wall dimensions, actual brick face dimensions, mortar-joint size, openings, wall layers and waste allowance. It also reports courses, bricks per course and optional material cost.
Common uses
- Estimating brick quantity for a wall before ordering materials.
- Deducting door and window openings from the gross wall face area.
- Estimating single-layer or multiple-layer brick walls with a user-controlled waste allowance.
Tips for a better estimate
- Enter actual brick face dimensions rather than a nominal size that already includes the mortar joint.
- Use the mortar-joint thickness specified for the project because it changes the brick module and quantity.
- Treat courses and bricks-per-course as gross layout references because openings, cuts, corners and bond patterns can alter field placement.
Related calculations
Concrete Block Calculator · Mortar Calculator · Retaining Wall Block Calculator