Brick Quantity Calculator
Brick quantity depends on the size of the bricks, the width of the mortar joints, and the area of the wall. This calculator computes the number of bricks per square foot of wall face using the formula: bricks per sq ft = 144 / ((brick length + joint) x (brick height + joint)), then multiplies by total wall area and adds waste. Enter brick face dimensions and joint width in inches. For multi-wythe walls, multiply the single-wythe count by the number of wythes.
Brick quantity formula
Bricks per sq ft = 144 / ((Brick length + Joint) x (Brick height + Joint))
Total bricks = Area x Bricks per sq ft x (1 + waste% / 100)
The 144 factor converts square inches to square feet (1 sq ft = 144 sq in). Including the mortar joint in the brick cell dimensions gives the true center-to-center spacing of each brick, accurately representing actual coverage.
Standard brick sizes
- Modular (standard): 3.625 x 2.25 x 7.625 inches (most common US residential brick).
- Queen: 3.125 x 2.75 x 9.625 inches (used in some commercial and historic applications).
- King: 2.75 x 2.625 x 9.625 inches.
- Roman: 3.625 x 1.5 x 11.625 inches (long, flat profile).
- Jumbo standard: 3.625 x 2.75 x 7.625 inches (taller than standard).
Brick quantity calculator: frequently asked questions
How many standard bricks per square foot?
A standard modular brick is 3.625 inches wide x 2.25 inches tall x 7.625 inches long. With a 3/8-inch mortar joint, a standard brick with joint takes up an 8 x 2.625-inch face area, yielding approximately 6.75 bricks per square foot of single-wythe wall.
What is a wythe of brick?
A wythe is a single vertical layer (thickness) of bricks. A single-wythe wall is one brick thick (about 3.625 inches). Double-wythe walls are about 8 inches thick. This calculator assumes a single-wythe wall face; multiply bricks by wythe count for thicker walls.
How much mortar do I need for brickwork?
Approximately 0.5 cubic feet of mortar per 100 bricks for standard-size bricks with 3/8-inch joints. One 60-pound bag of mortar mix yields approximately 0.45 cubic feet. Buy about 1 bag per 100 bricks as a starting estimate.
What waste factor should I use for bricks?
Use 5 to 10 percent waste for straight walls. Use 15 percent for walls with many cuts, arches, or corners. Bricks cut with a masonry saw produce more waste than those hand-cut or snapped.
What is the standard mortar joint size for brick?
The standard mortar joint for face brick is 3/8 inch (approximately 10 mm). Smaller joints (1/4 inch) are used for thin brick veneer. Larger joints (1/2 inch) appear in some historic masonry. Joint size affects the brick count per square foot.
Official sources
- Brick Industry Association: Technical Notes on Brick Construction, Series 10.
- ASTM International: ASTM C62 Standard Specification for Building Brick.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 15 June 2026. See our methodology.