Understanding This Calculator
Ordering the right number of bricks up front saves you a second trip to the supplier and avoids stalling a job halfway through — but bricks vary in size and mortar joints eat up more material than most people expect. This calculator works out real coverage per brick, including the mortar joint on every side, so the count you get matches what actually fits on the wall.
Measure wall length and height at the widest points, and don’t subtract door and window openings unless you’re ordering very precisely — most masons prefer a small buffer of extra brick on hand to match color and texture on future repairs. The 5% waste factor built into this tool accounts for cuts, breakage, and matching at corners.
- Area wall length × wall height (sq ft)
- j mortar joint width (inches)
- 1.05 5% waste factor
| Joint Width | Bricks per sq ft | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 in (0.25) | ~7.4 | Tighter joints, more bricks per sqft |
| 3/8 in (0.375) | ~6.9 | Standard residential joint |
| 1/2 in (0.5) | ~6.5 | Wider joint, fewer bricks needed |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this account for door and window openings?
No — this gives the total for a solid wall of the given dimensions. Subtract the square footage of any openings from your wall area before entering it, or simply keep the buffer for future repairs and matching.
Why is a mortar bag rule of thumb instead of an exact figure?
Mortar coverage varies with joint width, brick absorption, and mixing consistency. The ~125-bricks-per-80lb-bag figure is a standard estimate used by masons for standard modular brick and 3/8in joints — always round up and keep a spare bag on site.