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Brick Calculator
Calculate brick count, mortar bags, and material cost for any brick project
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Brick Calculator
How to Calculate Bricks
Brick count depends on brick size, mortar joint thickness, and wall configuration. With standard 3/8\" mortar joints, a standard brick covers approximately 0.148 sq ft, meaning you need 6.75 bricks per sq ft of wall.
Brick Count Formula
Bricks per Sq Ft = 1 ÷ (Brick Area with Mortar)
Total Bricks = Wall Area × Bricks per Sq Ft × 1.05 (waste)
Bricks per Sq Ft = 1 ÷ (Brick Area with Mortar)
Total Bricks = Wall Area × Bricks per Sq Ft × 1.05 (waste)
Common Brick Sizes
| Name | Actual Size | Per Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|
| Standard / Modular | 3⅝"×2¼"×7⅝" | 6.75 |
| Queen | 3"×2¾"×9⅝" | 4.5 |
| King | 3"×2¾"×9⅝" | 4.5 |
| Jumbo | 3⅝"×2¾"×7⅝" | 5.76 |
Brick Laying Tips
- Soak bricks in water before laying to improve mortar adhesion and prevent dehydration
- Use a story pole (gauge rod) to maintain consistent course heights
- Butter the face shells AND cross webs for full mortar coverage on load-bearing walls
- Tool joints when mortar is thumbprint-hard (not too wet, not too dry) for a watertight seal
- Never lay bricks when temperatures are below 40°F without protecting the work
? Frequently Asked Questions
How many bricks do I need per square foot?
Standard modular bricks (3⅝"×2¼"×7⅝") require approximately 6.75 bricks per square foot of wall face with standard 3/8" mortar joints. Queen-size bricks use about 4.5 per sq ft. Our calculator automatically applies the correct count per brick size.
How much mortar do I need for bricklaying?
You need approximately 7 bags of Type S or N mortar per 100 bricks. A 1,000-brick project requires about 70 bags of mortar (60 lb bags). Pre-mixed mortar is more expensive but convenient for small projects.
How much does brick cost?
Standard red bricks cost $0.50–$1.50 each. Specialty or antique bricks can run $2–$5+ each. Installed brickwork costs $10–$20 per sq ft for standard brick veneer siding, or $20–$35+ for full structural masonry.
What is the standard brick size?
Standard US brick: 3⅝" wide × 2¼" tall × 7⅝" long (actual size). With 3/8" mortar joints, the nominal size is 4"×2⅝"×8". This is the most common brick used in residential construction across the United States.
How long does brick last?
Properly installed brick veneer lasts 100+ years. The brick itself can last centuries — many colonial-era brick buildings are still standing. Mortar joints typically need repointing (tuckpointing) every 25–30 years as the mortar deteriorates faster than the brick.
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💡 Pro Tips
Always add 10% extra to material estimates to account for waste, cuts, and mistakes.