BuildCalc
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Brick Calculator
Brick Calculator
Material Calculators

Brick Calculator

Calculate bricks and mortar needed for walls, patios, and pathways.

DIY difficulty

HardTypical time: Several weekends
  • ›Mortar consistency is hard to master — too wet or dry and joints fail
  • ›Keeping courses level and plumb over a long run is demanding
  • ›First course must be perfectly level or every course above will be off

Must-have tools

Brick trowelMason lineLevel and story poleBrick hammer and chisel

How to calculate bricks for a wall or patio

  1. Enter the wall or surface dimensions — length and height for a wall, length and width for a patio or path.

  2. Choose the brick size: standard (8×3.75×2.25"), modular (7.625×3.625×2.25"), or queen (9.625×2.75×3.625").

  3. Set the mortar joint width. A 3/8-inch joint is standard for most brickwork; thicker joints suit rustic styles.

  4. Read the brick count and mortar bag estimate. Add 5–10% for breakage and cuts at corners and openings.

Common uses

  • Building a garden wall, raised planter, or fire pit surround
  • Calculating bricks for a driveway, patio, or walkway
  • Estimating a brick veneer accent wall on a house exterior

Frequently asked questions

How many bricks do I need per square foot?
Standard bricks laid with a 3/8-inch mortar joint cover about 6.75 bricks per square foot. Modular bricks run about 7 per square foot. The calculator adjusts automatically for your joint size.
How many bags of mortar do I need per 100 bricks?
A 70 lb bag of mortar mix covers roughly 40–50 bricks, depending on joint thickness. For 100 bricks, plan on about 2–3 bags plus 10% extra.
What's the difference between brick and concrete block?
Bricks are solid clay units, typically used for facing and decorative work. Concrete blocks (CMU) are larger, hollow, and used for structural walls. They're calculated differently — use a separate block calculator for CMU.
What type of mortar should I use for brickwork?
Type S mortar (medium strength, 1800 PSI) is the standard for most exterior brickwork, patios, and below-grade applications. Type N (750 PSI) is fine for above-grade non-structural work like garden walls.
How many bricks do I need for a standard 10×10 patio?
A 10×10 standard brick patio at 4 bricks per sq ft (flat-laid, no mortar) needs about 400 bricks. Using this calculator with your brick dimensions and a mortar joint gives a more accurate count for raised or mortared applications.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • ✕Mixing mortar too wet or dry — mortar should hold its shape when squeezed but stay workable. Too wet loses strength; too dry won't bond.
  • ✕Not leveling the first course perfectly — the first course sets alignment for every course above it. Use a string line for the entire row.
  • ✕Not wetting bricks in hot weather — dry bricks pull moisture from mortar too fast, causing weak bonds. Mist bricks before laying.
  • ✕Underestimating mortar — with a 3/8" joint, plan 1 bag per 30–40 bricks as a conservative estimate.

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Not sure whether to DIY this project?

Read our project-by-project guide on when to hire a contractor vs. do it yourself.

Read the guide →

About this calculator

Enter your wall or surface dimensions to calculate exact brick count and mortar bags. Supports standard, modular, and queen brick sizes with adjustable mortar joint width.

All results are estimates. Verify quantities with your local supplier and confirm measurements before purchasing materials. Requirements vary by region and project type.

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