Build sturdy.
Bricks and mortar bags for any wall or project. Accounts for brick size, mortar joint width, and typical 10% cut waste.
How we calculated this
Brick count is calculated from the wall area, the brick size, and the mortar joint width. The formula accounts for the effective area each brick covers (brick dimensions plus joint width on two sides). Smaller bricks mean more per square foot; wider joints reduce the count slightly because each brick covers more total area with the mortar included.
Brick sizes vary by manufacturer and region. Modular brick (3.625 × 2.25 × 7.625 inches) is the US standard — 6.86 bricks per square foot with 3/8-inch joints. Standard brick is slightly longer (8 inches). Queen and jumbo are larger formats that reduce brick count and labor but cost more per brick.
Wythe refers to the thickness of the wall in brick layers. Single-wythe (one brick thick) is used for modern veneer — the brick is decorative, with a framed wall behind providing structural support. Double-wythe (two bricks thick, bonded together) was common before 1960 and is still used for structural masonry, garden walls, and chimneys. Double-wythe uses twice as many bricks.
Mortar calculation is approximate. A cubic foot of mortar typically sets about 30 bricks at 3/8" joints. Wider joints use proportionally more mortar per brick. Standard 80-pound bags of pre-mixed mortar yield about 0.75 cubic feet each. The calculator adjusts the mortar estimate based on your joint width.
Waste factor of 10% covers typical cuts at corners, around openings, and breakage during handling. Use 15% for complex masonry with many openings, arches, or decorative patterns; 5% for long straight walls with minimal cuts.
Not included in this calculator: flashing, weep holes, wall ties (1 per 2.67 sq ft of veneer), expansion joints, lintels over openings, and cleaning materials. For structural walls, also factor in rebar (see rebar calculator) and grout for reinforced cells.
Brick counts depend on three things you have to decide first
Before counting bricks, you need to know your brick size (standard, modular, or king), your mortar joint width (3/8 inch is standard, 1/2 inch is common for rustic looks), and your bond pattern (running bond, stack bond, or Flemish). Each combination produces a different count per square foot. The calculator above handles all three variables, but understanding them helps you verify the output against a supplier quote.
How we calculated these numbers▾
Brick counts per ft² calculated from brick face dimensions plus mortar joint width. Mortar quantities from Brick Industry Association (BIA) Technical Note 8. Pricing reflects 2026 masonry supply yard rates.
What brick walls cost
Composite illustration based on typical project dimensions, regional contractor pricing, and 2026 material costs. Not a specific real project.
Full brick | Brick veneer | Faux brick panel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 3.5–4" | 0.5–1" | 0.25" |
| Structural? | Yes | No (decorative) | No |
| Cost/ft² | $10–25 | $6–15 | $3–8 |
| Installation | Mason required | Mason or skilled DIY | DIY-friendly |
Full brick is structural and permanent. Veneer gives the look at a fraction of the weight and cost.
For the mortar and footing calculations, the concrete calculator handles the footing volume. For walls that combine brick with concrete block backup, calculate each material separately.
How to calculate mortar for brick walls
Mortar quantity depends on joint width and brick size. For standard bricks (3.5 × 2.25 × 8 inches) with 3/8-inch joints, you need approximately 7 bags of 80-lb Type S mortar per 1,000 bricks. With wider 1/2-inch joints (common in rustic or colonial styles), that increases to about 9 bags per 1,000 bricks. A 200 square foot wall using 1,350 bricks needs roughly 10 bags of mortar at standard joint width.
Type S mortar is the default for exterior walls and any structural application. Type N is acceptable for interior walls and above-grade non-structural work. Type M is for below-grade applications like retaining walls and foundation repairs. Using the wrong mortar type does not just affect strength; it affects bond durability and water resistance over the life of the wall.
Sources
- Brick Industry Association — Technical Notes — Standard brick sizes and wall design references
- Portland Cement Association — Masonry — Mortar coverage and joint width references
Frequently asked
How many bricks do I need for a 20×8 foot wall?
For a 20×8 ft single-wythe veneer wall using modular brick with 3/8" joints and 10% waste, you need about 1,208 bricks plus 45 bags of mortar. Double-wythe structural walls need twice that. Use the calculator with your specific brick type.
What's the difference between modular and standard brick?
Modular brick is 7.625" long (designed so 4 bricks plus joints = 32"). Standard brick is 8" long. Modular is now the most common US brick; standard is older/regional. Both are 2.25" high and 3.625" deep. Modular gives you 6.86 bricks per sq ft; standard gives 6.55 per sq ft.
How much mortar do I need?
Approximately 1 cubic foot of mortar per 30 bricks at 3/8" joints. An 80-lb bag of pre-mixed mortar yields 0.75 cubic feet. For 1,000 bricks, plan on about 45 bags. Buy extra — running out mid-wall means joints that set before you can finish a course.
Single-wythe or double-wythe — which do I need?
Single-wythe (brick veneer over frame or CMU) is standard for modern construction — the brick is decorative cladding, the structure is behind it. Double-wythe is for standalone structural walls: garden walls, chimneys, retaining walls, or older construction methods. Double-wythe uses twice the brick and twice the labor.
What's the best mortar joint width?
3/8 inch is the US standard — sized to make brick coursing dimensions work out nicely. 1/2 inch is used for rougher bricks like handmade or reclaimed. 1/4 inch is used for thin brick veneer and tight modern styles. Wider joints look more traditional; narrower joints look more contemporary.
How much do bricks cost?
Typical range: $0.50-1.50 per brick for standard face brick. Premium or handmade brick: $2-5 per brick. A 1,000-brick wall costs $500-5,000 in bricks alone. Plus mortar ($7-10 per 80-lb bag × 45 bags = $315-450). Plus labor if not DIY.
Can I buy partial pallets of brick?
Usually yes at retail — home centers and masonry yards often sell by the piece or by bundle (500 bricks). Full pallets (typically 500-525 bricks) are cheaper per piece. For large orders, ordering by the pallet is 10-20% cheaper.
How do I calculate bricks for a chimney or fireplace?
Calculate each wall surface separately: front, back, sides. For chimneys with flue liners, the inside wythe counts separately from the outside wythe. A typical residential chimney uses 800-1,500 bricks. For fireplaces, the firebox uses firebrick (different product, different refractory mortar) — calculate that separately.
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