Brick Calculator
Calculate the number of bricks needed for a wall from its area and brick size.
Formula
Bricks Required = (wallArea / (((brickLength + mortarJoint) / 1000) * ((brickHeight + mortarJoint) / 1000))) * (1 + wastage / 100)
Each brick, once laid, occupies a footprint larger than its own dimensions because of the surrounding mortar joint. Adding the mortar joint thickness to both the brick's length and height gives the effective area each brick consumes in the wall. Dividing the total wall area by this effective brick area gives the raw brick count, and a wastage allowance is added for cutting, breakage, and irregular coursing.
Worked Example
- 1 Effective brick length: (215 + 10) ÷ 1000 = 0.225m
- 2 Effective brick height: (65 + 10) ÷ 1000 = 0.075m
- 3 Effective brick footprint: 0.225 × 0.075 = 0.016875 m²
- 4 Raw brick count: 10 ÷ 0.016875 ≈ 592.6
- 5 Apply 5% wastage: 592.6 × 1.05 ≈ 622 bricks
Result: Approximately 622 bricks required
Video walkthrough for Brick Calculator — coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bricks are needed for a 10 square meter wall? +
Using standard modular bricks (215mm × 65mm) with a 10mm mortar joint, approximately 622 bricks are needed, including a 5% wastage allowance.
Does this calculator work for double-leaf (cavity) walls? +
This calculates bricks for a single leaf. For a cavity wall, run the calculation once per leaf and add the results together.