Brick is a timeless building material offering durability, beauty, and excellent thermal properties. This calculator determines how many bricks you need for wall construction, accounting for standard sizes and waste.
Standard bricks measure 8 inches long by 4 inches high, resulting in approximately 7 bricks per square foot with 0.5-inch mortar joints. Modular bricks are slightly smaller at 7.5x3.5 inches, requiring 7.5 bricks per square foot. Actual dimensions may vary by manufacturer.
Always add 5-10% extra for waste from cutting, breakage, and mistakes. Complex patterns like herringbone or basket weave require 15-20% waste factor. For corners and openings, measure carefully and subtract window/door areas from your total.
Brick quality is designated by grades SW (severe weather), MW (moderate weather), and NW (no weather exposure). Face bricks have finished surfaces for exposed walls, while common bricks are used for structural work. Consider color variations between batches when ordering.
Quick Tips
- Always order 10-15% extra materials for waste
- Check local building codes before starting
- Measure twice, cut once — verify all inputs
Frequently Asked Questions
About 7 standard bricks per square foot with standard mortar joints.
Facing bricks have finished appearance for exposed walls; common bricks are rougher for structural use.
Add 10% for straight walls, 15-20% for patterns or inexperienced layers.
Colors vary between batches. Order all bricks at once or blend batches while laying.
Weather resistance grades: Severe, Moderate, No weather exposure. Use SW for exteriors in cold climates.