Brick Calculator
Estimate how many standard bricks and bags of mortar a single-layer brick wall needs.
Calculator
| Wall area | 80.0 ft² |
|---|---|
| 80-lb bags of mortar mix (about) | 17 bags |
How it is calculated
Wall area = 20 × 4 = 80.0 sq ft. A standard brick with a 3/8-inch mortar joint covers about 1/6.75 sq ft, so 80.0 × 6.75 = 540 bricks; add 5% for breakage: 567.
About this calculator
A single-layer (single wythe) brick wall uses roughly 6.75 standard bricks per square foot of wall face with typical mortar joints. A double-thick wall needs twice as many.
The estimate includes 5% for breakage and cuts. Garden and decorative walls are simple, but structural walls, tall walls and retaining walls need proper footings and often engineering, so check local rules.
Worked examples
| Project | Standard bricks (+5% waste) | Rough cost |
|---|---|---|
| a 10 ft long, 3 ft high brick wall (single wythe) | 213 bricks | $128 – $320 |
| a 20 ft long, 4 ft high brick wall (single wythe) | 567 bricks | $340 – $850 |
| a 30 ft long, 6 ft high brick wall (single wythe) | 1,276 bricks | $766 – $1,914 |
| a 50 ft long, 5 ft high brick wall (single wythe) | 1,772 bricks | $1,063 – $2,658 |
Buying notes
- Subtract openings from the wall area before you buy.
- Buy a few extra bricks from the same batch for cuts and future repairs.
- Mortar type matters for strength and weather exposure; ask the supplier.
Quick answers by size
Click a size for the exact quantity and cost.
How to measure and use this calculator
- Measure the wall's length and height and multiply to get the face area.
- Subtract openings such as windows and doors.
- Enter length and height; the calculator uses a standard brick with a 3/8-inch mortar joint.
- Buy a few extra bricks from the same batch for cuts and future repairs.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting that a double-thick wall needs twice the bricks.
- Mixing bricks from different batches, which shows as color variation.
- Ignoring mortar, ties, lintels and foundation costs.
Tips
- Standard modular bricks run about 6.75 per square foot with normal mortar joints.
- Buy 5–10% extra for cuts and breakage, and keep a few spares from the same batch for repairs.
- Subtract openings (doors, windows) from the wall area for an accurate count.
Frequently asked questions
How many bricks per square foot?
About 6.75 standard bricks per square foot of wall face with 3/8-inch mortar joints.
Do brick walls need a foundation?
Yes. A brick wall needs a stable footing, and the required depth depends on the wall height, soil and frost conditions. Follow local code.
How many bricks make a square foot?
About 6.75 standard bricks with 3/8-inch mortar joints.