Brick Calculator
Calculate bricks and mortar for walls and patios. Supports multiple bond patterns including running, stack, flemish, herringbone, and basketweave.
Project Type
Dimensions
Brick Size
Modular (3-5/8" x 2-1/4" x 7-5/8")
Bond Pattern
Running Bond Pattern
Waste factor: 5% for pattern cuts
Related Calculators
About This Calculator
The Brick Calculator determines exactly how many bricks you need for walls, patios, walkways, or any masonry project—with mortar requirements and accurate cost estimates. Whether you're building a classic red brick wall, an elegant herringbone patio, or charming garden edging, accurate brick estimation prevents costly overages and frustrating mid-project shortages.
Bricks have been humanity's building material of choice for over 5,000 years, prized for durability, fire resistance, and timeless aesthetic appeal. But ordering the right quantity requires understanding coverage rates, pattern waste factors, and mortar joints. A simple wall might need 7 bricks per square foot, while a herringbone patio pattern can waste 15% in cutting.
Enter your project dimensions, select your brick size and bond pattern, and get a complete materials list. We calculate total bricks needed, mortar bag requirements for walls, polymeric sand for patios, and provide 2026 material cost estimates. Whether you're a DIY homeowner or a professional mason, accurate estimates save money and ensure project success.
How to Use the Brick Calculator
- 1Select your project type: wall (needs mortar) or patio/paving (usually sand-set).
- 2Enter dimensions: length and height for walls, length and width for patios.
- 3Choose your brick size from the dropdown (standard modular is most common).
- 4Select your bond pattern—running bond is easiest, herringbone is most durable.
- 5For walls, specify mortar joint thickness (3/8" is standard).
- 6Add a waste factor appropriate for your pattern and skill level.
- 7Review brick count, mortar requirements, and cost estimate.
- 8Print your materials list for supplier ordering.
Standard Brick Sizes and Coverage
Bricks come in various sizes—the most common in the US are modular bricks:
Common Wall Brick Dimensions:
| Brick Type | Actual Size (W × H × L) | Nominal Size | Bricks/SF |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modular | 3-5/8" × 2-1/4" × 7-5/8" | 4" × 2-2/3" × 8" | 6.75 |
| Standard | 3-5/8" × 2-1/4" × 8" | 4" × 2-2/3" × 8" | 6.55 |
| Engineer | 3-5/8" × 2-3/4" × 7-5/8" | 4" × 3" × 8" | 5.63 |
| Queen | 3-1/8" × 2-3/4" × 9-5/8" | 3" × 3" × 10" | 5.76 |
| King | 3" × 2-3/4" × 9-5/8" | 3" × 3" × 10" | 5.76 |
| Utility | 3-5/8" × 3-5/8" × 11-5/8" | 4" × 4" × 12" | 3.0 |
| Norman | 3-5/8" × 2-1/4" × 11-5/8" | 4" × 2-2/3" × 12" | 4.5 |
Paver Brick Dimensions:
| Type | Size | Pavers/SF | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Paver | 4" × 8" | 4.5 | 2-1/4" |
| Holland | 4" × 8" | 4.5 | 2-3/8" |
| Large Format | 6" × 9" | 2.67 | 2-3/8" |
| Square | 6" × 6" | 4.0 | 2-1/4" |
| Thin (overlay) | 4" × 8" | 4.5 | 1-3/8" |
Understanding Nominal vs. Actual:
- Nominal size includes mortar joint (for walls)
- Actual size is the brick alone
- 3-5/8" + 3/8" mortar = 4" nominal
- This allows easy calculation with 4" and 8" modules
Brick Bond Patterns Explained
Bond patterns affect appearance, structural integrity, and material waste:
Wall Bond Patterns:
| Pattern | Description | Waste | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Running Bond | Offset half brick each course | 5% | Easy | Beginners, most walls |
| Stack Bond | Bricks aligned vertically | 3% | Easy | Decorative only |
| Flemish Bond | Headers/stretchers alternate | 10% | Medium | Traditional look |
| English Bond | Header/stretcher courses | 10% | Medium | Strong load-bearing |
| Common Bond | Header every 5-6 courses | 8% | Medium | Economical structural |
| Herringbone | 45° or 90° zigzag | 15% | Hard | Accent walls |
Patio/Paving Patterns:
| Pattern | Description | Waste | Interlock | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Running Bond | Offset rows | 5% | Good | Most common, easy |
| Basketweave | Pairs at 90° | 5% | Fair | Classic, simple |
| Herringbone 45° | Diagonal zigzag | 10-15% | Excellent | Best for driveways |
| Herringbone 90° | Perpendicular zigzag | 10% | Excellent | Easier cutting |
| Pinwheel | Four around one | 8% | Fair | Decorative patios |
| Double Basketweave | Complex weave | 8% | Good | Traditional look |
Structural Considerations:
- Running bond and herringbone provide strongest interlock
- Stack bond has no mechanical interlock (decorative only)
- Herringbone 45° is best for vehicular traffic
- Header courses create structural ties in thick walls
Mortar Requirements for Brick Walls
Mortar is essential for brick walls—it bonds bricks and seals joints:
Mortar Coverage per 1,000 Bricks:
| Joint Size | Type S Bags | Type N Bags | Wall Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/8" joint | 7-8 bags | 7-8 bags | ~150 SF |
| 1/2" joint | 9-10 bags | 9-10 bags | ~150 SF |
| 5/8" joint | 11-12 bags | 11-12 bags | ~150 SF |
Mortar Types (ASTM C270):
| Type | Compressive Strength | Best Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Type N | 750 PSI | Above-grade, general purpose |
| Type S | 1,800 PSI | Below-grade, exterior, wind zones |
| Type M | 2,500 PSI | Foundations, retaining walls |
| Type O | 350 PSI | Interior, historic repointing |
| Type K | Very low | Historic restoration only |
Mortar Mix Ratios (by volume):
| Type | Portland Cement | Lime | Sand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type N | 1 | 1 | 6 |
| Type S | 1 | 0.5 | 4.5 |
| Type M | 1 | 0.25 | 3.5 |
Mortar Working Tips:
- One 60 lb bag makes ~0.5 cubic feet of mortar
- Mix only what you can use in 60-90 minutes
- Re-temper (add water) once if mortar stiffens
- Never re-temper after 2.5 hours from initial mix
- Discard any mortar that begins to set
- Consistency should be like thick peanut butter
2026 Brick Pricing Guide
Current material costs for brick projects:
Wall Brick Prices (each):
| Brick Type | Economy | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Modular | $0.50-0.70 | $0.70-1.00 | $1.00-1.50 |
| Engineer | $0.60-0.80 | $0.80-1.20 | $1.20-1.80 |
| Queen/King | $0.70-0.90 | $0.90-1.30 | $1.30-2.00 |
| Specialty/Thin | $0.80-1.20 | $1.20-2.00 | $2.00-4.00 |
Paver Brick Prices (per SF):
| Type | Standard | Premium | Designer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clay Pavers | $4-6/SF | $6-10/SF | $10-15/SF |
| Concrete Pavers | $3-5/SF | $5-8/SF | $8-12/SF |
| Thin Pavers | $5-8/SF | $8-12/SF | $12-18/SF |
Total Project Cost Estimates:
| Project Type | Materials/SF | Labor/SF | Total Installed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brick wall (single wythe) | $6-10 | $12-20 | $18-30 |
| Brick wall (double wythe) | $12-18 | $18-30 | $30-48 |
| Brick patio (sand-set) | $5-10 | $8-15 | $13-25 |
| Brick walkway | $6-12 | $10-18 | $16-30 |
| Brick driveway | $8-15 | $12-22 | $20-37 |
Cost-Saving Tips:
- Buy by the pallet (500+ bricks) for 15-25% discount
- Consider "seconds" for hidden or painted applications
- Used/salvage brick can be 50%+ cheaper
- Off-season purchases may have better pricing
Building a Brick Wall: Step-by-Step
Proper technique ensures a lasting, beautiful brick wall:
Foundation Requirements:
- Concrete footing below frost line
- Width: 2× wall thickness minimum
- Rebar reinforcement for structural walls
- Level to within 1/4" over entire length
Wall Construction Process:
-
Layout:
- Snap chalk lines on footing
- Dry-lay first course to check spacing
- Mark door/window openings
-
Corner Leads:
- Build corners first, 4-5 courses high
- Use story pole for course heights
- Check plumb every course
- Check level along each course
-
Filling Between Leads:
- String line at top of each course
- Butter both ends of each brick
- Press firmly and tap into position
- Maintain consistent joint thickness
-
Tooling Joints:
- Wait until mortar is "thumbprint firm"
- Tool horizontal joints first
- Then tool vertical (head) joints
- Concave joint is most weather-resistant
-
Cleaning:
- Remove excess mortar before it hardens
- Wait 7+ days for full cure
- Clean with diluted muriatic acid if needed
- Seal wall after cleaning (optional)
Course Height Reference:
| Courses | Height (3/8" joints) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 2-5/8" |
| 3 | 8" |
| 6 | 16" |
| 12 | 32" |
| 24 | 64" (5'-4") |
Sand-Set Brick Patio Installation
Most brick patios use the sand-set (dry-laid) method:
Excavation and Base:
- Excavate 7-8" total depth
- Install landscape fabric (optional)
- Add 4" compacted gravel base (crushed stone)
- Compact in 2" lifts with plate compactor
- Finished base should be firm and level
Setting Bed:
- Add 1" coarse sand or stone dust
- Screed level using pipes as guides
- Never compact before laying brick
- Work in sections you can complete
Laying Bricks:
- Start from corner or edge
- Place bricks tight together (no mortar)
- Tap level with rubber mallet
- Check level every 3-4 feet
- Cut edge pieces with wet saw
Finishing:
- Sweep polymeric sand into joints
- Blow excess off surface
- Compact with plate vibrator
- Apply light water mist to activate sand
- Install edge restraints (essential!)
Edge Restraint Options:
| Type | Cost | Durability | Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic paver edging | Low | Good | Hidden |
| Aluminum edging | Medium | Excellent | Hidden |
| Concrete border | Medium | Excellent | Visible |
| Soldier course brick | High | Excellent | Decorative |
| Stone edge | High | Excellent | Natural |
Polymeric Sand vs. Regular Sand:
- Polymeric: Hardens when wet, resists weeds and ants
- Regular: Cheaper, easier to repair, but washes out
- Use polymeric for high-quality, lasting installations
Brick Types and Material Selection
Choosing the right brick for your project:
By Manufacturing Method:
| Type | Characteristics | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Extruded Wire Cut | Uniform, smooth | Modern walls, patios |
| Molded | Textured, variable | Traditional look |
| Handmade | Unique, expensive | Historic restoration |
| Tumbled | Aged appearance | Old-world aesthetic |
By Material:
| Type | Durability | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clay Brick | Excellent | $$-$$$ | Classic, colorfast |
| Concrete Brick | Very Good | $-$$ | More uniform |
| Sand-Lime Brick | Good | $-$$ | Gray/white colors |
| Engineering Brick | Superior | $$$ | High strength, low absorption |
Weather Resistance Grades:
| Grade | Water Absorption | Freeze-Thaw | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| SW (Severe) | <17% | Excellent | All exterior, ground contact |
| MW (Moderate) | <22% | Good | Protected exterior |
| NW (Negligible) | N/A | Poor | Interior only |
Color Considerations:
- Clay brick color comes from clay composition and firing
- Colors are permanent (won't fade like painted brick)
- Iron content creates reds; manganese creates browns
- Higher firing = darker colors
- Always see actual samples, not just photos
- Buy from same lot for consistent color
DIY vs Professional Brick Work
Evaluate your project before deciding:
DIY-Friendly Projects:
- Garden edging
- Small raised planters
- Walkway pavers (sand-set)
- Simple patio (running bond)
- Low garden walls (under 2 feet)
- Mailbox/column surrounds
Hire a Professional For:
- Structural walls
- Walls over 4 feet tall
- Brick veneer on houses
- Retaining walls
- Intricate patterns
- Historic restoration
DIY Cost Savings:
| Project | Material Cost | Pro Labor | DIY Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 SF patio | $500-1,000 | $800-1,500 | $800-1,500 |
| 200 SF walkway | $900-1,500 | $1,500-2,500 | $1,500-2,500 |
| 50 SF garden wall | $400-700 | $600-1,000 | $600-1,000 |
Tools Needed for DIY Brick Work:
For Patios:
- Plate compactor (rent)
- Wet saw or angle grinder
- Rubber mallet
- String line and stakes
- Screed boards
- Broom and leaf blower
For Walls:
- All above, plus:
- Mason's trowels (various sizes)
- Jointing tool
- Story pole
- 4' level
- Mixing tub or mixer
- Work gloves and safety glasses
Rental Costs:
- Plate compactor: $50-75/day
- Wet saw: $50-75/day
- Concrete mixer: $50-75/day
Pro Tips
- 💡Order 10% extra for waste, cutting, and future repairs—bricks from different batches may vary slightly in color and size.
- 💡Wet bricks lightly before laying in hot weather to prevent them from absorbing moisture from mortar too quickly.
- 💡Mix bricks from multiple pallets as you work to blend any color variations throughout the project.
- 💡For patios, rent a wet saw for clean cuts—angle grinders work but create more dust and rougher edges.
- 💡Check brick alignment every 4-5 courses with a level and adjust before mortar sets.
- 💡Build wall corners (leads) first, then fill between them using a string line for perfectly straight courses.
- 💡Tool joints when mortar is "thumbprint firm"—too wet smears, too dry won't compress properly.
- 💡Never spread more mortar than you can use in 10 minutes—it begins to set and won't bond properly.
- 💡Use Type S mortar for all exterior and below-grade applications—Type N is for protected areas only.
- 💡Install edge restraints for sand-set patios before laying brick—without them, the patio will spread and fail.
- 💡Cover completed brick work overnight to protect from rain, which can wash out fresh mortar joints.
- 💡Wait 7 days before cleaning brick walls with acid—mortar needs time to cure fully.
Frequently Asked Questions
For standard modular bricks with 3/8" mortar joints, you need approximately 6.75 bricks per square foot of wall. For 4" × 8" paver bricks laid flat without mortar joints, you need about 4.5 per square foot. Always add 5-15% for waste depending on your pattern—running bond wastes 5%, herringbone wastes 10-15%.
