Brick Calculator: How Many Bricks Do I Need?
Calculate how many bricks you need for a wall, veneer, chimney or patio, based on the brick type and mortar joint.
Standard modular brick needs about 6.9 bricks per square foot with a 3/8 inch mortar joint, commonly rounded to 6.75. A 100 sq ft wall takes roughly 690 bricks, or about 755 with 10% waste. Double-wythe walls need twice as many.
Your numbers
Result
How to calculate the number of bricks
Each brick in a wall occupies its own face plus half of the mortar joint around it. Add the joint width to the brick's length and height, multiply them to get the area one brick "uses," and divide the wall area by that.
bricks = net wall area × bricks per sq ft × wythes × (1 + waste %)
Bricks per square foot by brick type (3/8 in joint)
| Brick type | Size | Bricks / sq ft | Bricks for 100 sq ft (+10%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modular | 7.625 × 2.25 in | 6.86 | 755 |
| Queen | 7.625 × 2.75 in | 5.76 | 634 |
| King | 9.625 × 2.8125 in | 4.52 | 497 |
| Norman | 11.625 × 2.25 in | 4.57 | 503 |
| Utility | 11.625 × 3.625 in | 3.00 | 330 |
Single wythe vs. double wythe
The numbers above are for one layer (wythe) of brick laid flat — the usual veneer or garden-wall setup. A double-wythe wall needs twice as many bricks. Chimneys, arches and patterned bonds need extra cuts, so use 10–15% waste.
What else to order
Mortar (Type N or S depending on use), wall ties for veneer, flashing, weep vents and a lintel over each opening. A mason or brick supplier can size mortar to your joint profile and brick texture. For a brick-look patio, use the paver calculator; for concrete block walls, the concrete block calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How many bricks are in a square foot of wall?
About 6.75–6.9 for standard modular brick with a 3/8 in joint. This calculator derives the exact number from your brick type.
How many bricks do I need for a 100 sq ft wall?
Roughly 690 modular bricks for a single wythe, before waste. Add about 10% for breakage and cuts.
How many bricks are in a pallet?
A standard pallet (cube) holds about 450–500 modular bricks; ask your supplier for the exact count.
How many bricks do I need for a 10×10 wall?
A 10 × 10 ft wall is 100 sq ft, so about 690 bricks before waste and about 755 with 10% waste.
How many bricks do I need for a chimney?
Estimate the surface area of the four sides and use this calculator, adding 10–15% for the cuts around flashing and the flue.
How much mortar do I need for 1,000 bricks?
It varies with brick size, joint and waste. A commonly cited supplier rule of thumb is roughly 7–10 bags of 80-lb mortar mix per 1,000 bricks, so confirm with your supplier for your joint.
Should I subtract windows and doors?
Yes — enter their combined area in the Openings field. For small openings you can skip it and treat the saving as extra waste allowance.
How much does a brick cost?
Common brick commonly costs about $0.50–$1.50 each, with specialty and handmade bricks costing considerably more.
Sources and further reading
- Brick Industry Association — BIA: brick technical resources
- Silica, crystalline (cutting concrete, block, brick and stone) — U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration
These references support the general guidance on this page. The calculator applies the standard formulas shown above to the numbers you enter.
Related calculators
. Estimates only. Always confirm quantities with your supplier or a qualified contractor before ordering, and add extra for waste and site conditions.