How This Calculator Works
The calculator takes your wall area (length x height) and divides by the face area of each brick plus its mortar joint. A standard brick with 3/8-inch mortar joints produces roughly 6.75 bricks per square foot. The result includes a 10% waste factor for cuts, breakage, and defective units — standard practice for masonry projects.
Mortar is estimated at 7 bags (80 lb) per 1,000 bricks, which is the industry standard for Type S mortar mixed at normal consistency.
Brick Sizes Reference
| Brick Type | Dimensions (W x H x L) | Bricks per Sq Ft (3/8" joint) | Price Each |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 3.5" x 2.25" x 8" | ~6.75 | $0.40-0.75 |
| Modular | 3.5" x 2.25" x 7.625" | ~7 | $0.50-0.90 |
| Queen | 3" x 2.75" x 7.625" | ~5.76 | $0.80-1.20 |
| King | 3" x 2.75" x 9.625" | ~4.8 | $1.00-1.50 |
Mortar Calculation
Mortar makes up about 15-20% of a finished brick wall by surface area. For every 1,000 bricks laid, plan on 7 bags of 80 lb mortar mix (Type S for structural walls, Type N for non-load-bearing). Each bag makes about 0.7 cubic feet of mortar, enough for roughly 140-145 bricks with 3/8-inch joints.
| Mortar Joint | Bags per 1,000 Bricks | Mortar Type | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4" | ~5 | Type N | Interior, decorative |
| 3/8" (standard) | ~7 | Type S | Exterior walls, load-bearing |
| 1/2" | ~9 | Type S or M | Older buildings, rustic style |
Brick Bond Patterns
The bond pattern affects both aesthetics and structural strength. Running bond (the most common) staggers each row by half a brick. Stack bond aligns bricks vertically for a modern look but is weaker — it needs metal wall ties every 6 courses. Flemish bond alternates stretchers and headers in each row, which creates a strong wall with a distinctive look but uses about 10% more bricks due to the headers.
FAQ
How many bricks do I need per square foot?
With standard bricks (3.5 x 2.25 x 8 inches) and 3/8-inch mortar joints, about 6.75 bricks per square foot for a single-wythe wall. Double-wythe walls (two bricks thick) double that to about 13.5 per square foot.
How much does a brick wall cost per square foot?
Materials alone run $3-8 per square foot depending on brick type. Professional labor adds $10-20 per square foot, putting a finished brick wall at $13-28 per square foot installed. A 100 sq ft accent wall costs roughly $1,300-2,800 total.
What mortar type should I use for outdoor walls?
Type S mortar for most exterior and structural walls — it has high compressive strength (1,800 psi) and good resistance to soil pressure. Type M (2,500 psi) is for below-grade and retaining walls. Type N (750 psi) is sufficient for interior and above-grade non-structural walls.
How long does it take to lay 1,000 bricks?
An experienced mason lays 400-500 bricks per day. A skilled DIYer with preparation done should expect 100-200 per day. At that rate, a 100 sq ft wall (675 bricks) takes a professional 1.5 days and a DIYer 3-7 days.
Related Calculators
- Gravel Calculator — for foundation base material under brick patios
- Fence Material Calculator — for wood fence posts, rails, and boards
- Retaining Wall Calculator — for landscape block retaining walls
- Drywall Calculator — for interior wall finishing
Prices shown are approximate 2026 U.S. averages and may vary significantly by region, retailer, and market conditions. Always get local quotes for accurate pricing.