How many bricks do I need?
Estimate the number of bricks for a wall based on wall dimensions, brick size, and mortar joint thickness.
Brick calculator
Choosing the Right Brick Type
Brick choice affects structural performance, appearance, and cost. Different brick types suit different applications and aesthetic preferences.
Common Brick: Used for general construction where the brick will be covered or plastered. It has a rougher finish and is less expensive than face brick. Suitable for internal structural walls and backing.
Face Brick: Manufactured to have a uniform color and smooth or textured finish. Face brick is used for visible exterior walls and feature walls where appearance matters. It is more durable and weather-resistant than common brick.
Engineering Brick: Denser and stronger than standard brick, with lower water absorption. Used for retaining walls, foundations, and structures exposed to harsh weather or ground moisture.
Fire Brick: Made from refractory clay to withstand extreme heat. Used for fireplace linings, pizza ovens, kilns, and barbecue pits. Not suitable for general construction.
Brick Type Cheat Sheet
Use this reference to choose the right brick for your project:
| Brick Type | Best Used For | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Common Brick | Internal walls, backing, covered structures | Moderate |
| Face Brick | Exterior walls, facades, visible feature walls | High |
| Engineering Brick | Retaining walls, foundations, damp conditions | Very High |
| Fire Brick | Fireplaces, pizza ovens, kilns, barbecues | Heat-resistant |
Standard brick sizes
- Modular brick: 7-5/8 x 2-1/4 x 3-5/8 inches (most common)
- Queen brick: 7-5/8 x 2-3/4 x 2-3/4 inches
- King brick: 9-5/8 x 2-5/8 x 2-3/4 inches
- Engineer brick: 7-5/8 x 2-13/16 x 3-5/8 inches
Modular brick is the default assumption for most estimates. Adjust the brick dimensions in the calculator if using a different size.
Brick patterns and bonds
The brick pattern affects both appearance and material count. Common bonds include running bond (offset by half), common bond (running bond with header courses), and Flemish bond (alternating stretchers and headers). The calculator assumes a standard running bond, which has the most efficient material usage.
Worked example
For example, for a 15×6 ft brick wall, standard modular bricks (7.625 × 2.25 in at face), ⅜-in mortar joint:
- Wall area = 15 × 6 = 90 sq ft
- Brick face area including joint = (7.625 + 0.375) × (2.25 + 0.375) ÷ 144 = 8 × 2.625 ÷ 144 = 0.146 sq ft
- Bricks needed = 90 ÷ 0.146 = 616 bricks
- Add 5% for cuts and breakage: 616 × 1.05 = 647 bricks
- Also calculate mortar with the mortar calculator
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Not including mortar joint in brick count | The ⅜-in joint adds up — skipping it can short your order by 10-15% |
| Assuming all bricks are perfectly uniform | Some bricks have slight size variations — order extra for selection |
| Forgetting to account for corners and half-bricks | Window sills, corners, and openings need cut bricks — add 5% waste |