Brick Calculator

Calculate bricks and mortar needed for a wall by length, height, and brick size.

By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated April 2026 · Source: HomeAdvisor

ft
ft
Brick Size
in
%
Brick Veneer (needs wall ties)

Bricks Needed

1,701

Mortar Bags

17

Material Cost

$1,054.50 - $2,755.50

Brick Calculation

Wall Area240 sq ft
Bricks per sq ft (standard)6.75
Bricks (before waste)1,620
Bricks Needed (with waste)1,701
Mortar Bags17

Cost Estimate

Bricks ($0.50 - $1.50 each)$850.50 - $2,551.50
Mortar (~$12/bag)$204.00
Total Material Cost$1,054.50 - $2,755.50

Use the Brick Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

Pricing out a wall in 2026 means knowing two numbers up front: how many bricks the job takes and how much mortar binds them. Feed in your wall dimensions and brick size, and the count lands before you place an order, which keeps you from hauling home pallets you'll never lay. DIY builders and trade professionals lean on the same figures for the same reason.

Brick count comes from dividing the wall's total surface area by the footprint of one brick, with a 10mm mortar joint added for standard applications. Mortar volume follows from the combined brick volume and a typical mortar-to-brick ratio, again assuming standard 10mm joints. The estimate also bakes in waste allowances of 5% for bricks and 10% for mortar so the totals reflect real site conditions.

Build in that waste factor without exception, since breakage and miscuts catch even seasoned masons. Verify your brick dimensions before you commit, because non-standard sizes shift the final count considerably. Mortar formulations also differ from batch to batch, so confirm the mix ratio with your supplier before ordering material.

Example: Building a Garden Wall

  1. 1 Input a wall length of 10 meters, a height of 1.5 meters. Select a standard brick size (e.g., 215mm length x 65mm height x 102.5mm width).
  2. 2 The calculator will determine the wall area (15 sq m). It will then calculate the number of bricks needed, factoring in mortar joints and waste. It will also estimate the volume of mortar required.
  3. 3 The result shows approximately 1,000 standard bricks and 0.25 cubic meters of mortar are needed for your garden wall.
  4. 4 This estimate includes a 5% waste factor for bricks and a 10% waste factor for mortar, ensuring you have enough materials to complete the project without last-minute trips to the supplier in 2026.

Source: HomeAdvisor · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How many bricks do I need per square foot of wall?
A standard modular brick (3-5/8 x 2-1/4 x 7-5/8 inches) with standard 3/8 inch mortar joints requires about 6.75 bricks per square foot. Always order 5-10% extra for breakage and cuts.
How much mortar do I need per 1,000 bricks?
You need approximately 7-8 bags (each 80 lbs) of mortar mix per 1,000 standard bricks. This assumes standard 3/8-inch joints. Wider joints or larger bricks will require more mortar.
How much does it cost to build a brick wall in 2026?
Materials cost about $8-12 per square foot for a single-wythe brick wall. Professionally installed, expect $25-45 per square foot including labor. A decorative brick accent wall in a home typically runs $2,000-5,000 installed.

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