Brick & Block Calculator
Calculate the number of bricks, blocks, or CMUs needed for walls and masonry projects, plus mortar bags.
How to Use This Calculator
Masonry Material Estimation: Bricks, Blocks & Mortar
Masonry construction requires careful material planning. Whether you are building a brick wall, block foundation, or decorative veneer, knowing exactly how many bricks and how much mortar you need prevents delays and waste.
Standard bricks measure 3-5/8 × 2-1/4 × 8 inches and cover approximately 6.75 bricks per square foot of wall with standard 3/8-inch mortar joints. Concrete blocks (CMUs) are typically 8 × 8 × 16 inches and cover about 1.125 blocks per square foot.
Mortar is the binding agent between masonry units. For standard bricks, plan on approximately 7 bags of mortar per 1,000 bricks. For concrete blocks, use about 3 bags per 100 square feet of wall. Type N mortar is used for above-grade work, while Type S is required for below-grade and high-wind areas.
A 10-15% waste factor is standard for masonry projects. Bricks break during transport and cutting, and you will need partial bricks at corners and openings. Keep extra bricks for future repairs — matching brick color and texture from a different batch can be nearly impossible.
Labor costs for masonry are significant. An experienced mason can lay 400-500 standard bricks per day. Professional brick installation costs $8-$15 per square foot for labor. Block walls cost $5-$10 per square foot for labor. Complex patterns like herringbone or basket weave increase labor time by 30-50%.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bricks do I need for a wall?
Multiply the wall length by height (in feet) to get square footage, then multiply by 6.75 bricks per square foot for standard bricks. A 20-foot long, 8-foot high wall needs approximately 1,080 bricks before waste factor. Add 10% waste for a total of about 1,188 bricks.
How much mortar do I need per 1000 bricks?
Plan for approximately 7 bags (80 lb each) of mortar per 1,000 standard bricks. This assumes standard 3/8-inch mortar joints. Wider joints or heavy buttering technique may require 8-10 bags per 1,000 bricks.
What is the difference between brick and block construction?
Bricks are smaller clay units (3-5/8" × 2-1/4" × 8") used primarily for walls and veneer. Concrete blocks (CMUs) are larger (8" × 8" × 16") and are used for structural walls, foundations, and retaining walls. Block construction is faster but brick offers a more refined aesthetic.
How much does a brick wall cost per square foot?
A standard brick wall costs $10-$25 per square foot installed, including materials and labor. Veneer brick (single wythe over framing) costs $8-$15 per square foot. Decorative or specialty bricks can cost $15-$35+ per square foot.