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Brick Calculator

How many bricks for a wall? Enter the wall area and the brick size — the mortar joint counts, because each brick takes up its face plus the joint around it. The result includes a waste allowance for cuts and breakage.

Your numbers

sq ft
in

Modular US brick is about 7-5/8 in long.

in

Modular US brick is about 2-1/4 in high.

in

3/8 in is standard.

%
%

Result

Bricks needed
755
Bricks per sq ft
6.86
Wall areasq ft
100
Brick estimate
ItemValue
Bricks per sq ft6.86
Wall area100.0 sq ft
Total with 10% waste755
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How the count works

Each brick occupies its face plus the mortar joint. The math is bricks per sq ft = 144 ÷ [(length + joint) × (height + joint)], with the sizes in inches. A modular brick (7-5/8 × 2-1/4 in) with a 3/8 in joint gives about 6.9 bricks per sq ft — roughly the well-known "7 bricks per square foot" rule of thumb. Multiply by the wall area and add waste.

Brick size changes everything

"Brick" is not one size. Modular, queen, king and utility bricks all cover different areas, so a wall can need very different counts. Measure your actual brick (or check the manufacturer's spec) and enter its face dimensions — guessing the size is the biggest source of error.

Do not forget the mortar

Bricks are only half the order — the wall also needs mortar for the bed and head joints. Thicker joints use more mortar and fewer bricks; thinner joints, the reverse. As a rough guide, a standard bag of mortar lays a few hundred bricks, but confirm with the mortar you buy and the joint size.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

  • Brick masonry coverage (face size + mortar joint)

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