Brick & Block Calculator
Estimate bricks or blocks, courses, units per row, mortar bags and material cost after openings and waste.
Default project preview
1049 units
Mortar bags
3
Net wall area
139 ft²
Courses
37
Units per row
30
Calculator
Build the material order
Your order will appear here
Enter the project details and calculate a rounded material estimate.
Input and output guide
What each value means
The labels and units below are part of this calculator’s visible methodology. Replace every default with measurements or product data from the actual project.
Wall length
Enter this project assumption in ft. The current imperial default is 20 ft.
Wall height
Enter this project assumption in ft. The current imperial default is 8 ft.
Door and window area
Enter this project assumption in ft². The current imperial default is 21 ft². Minimum: 0.
Brick or block length
Enter this project assumption in in. The current imperial default is 7.625 in.
Brick or block height
Enter this project assumption in in. The current imperial default is 2.25 in.
Mortar joint
Enter this project assumption in in. The current imperial default is 0.375 in. Minimum: 0.
Waste allowance
Enter this project assumption in %. The current imperial default is 10 %. Minimum: 0. Maximum: 50.
Units per mortar bag
Enter this project assumption in a unitless value. The current imperial default is 500.
Price per unit
Enter this project assumption in a unitless value. The current imperial default is 0.75. Minimum: 0.
Price per mortar bag
Enter this project assumption in a unitless value. The current imperial default is 18. Minimum: 0.
How to read the outputs
Mortar bags
500 units per bag. Default preview: 3.
Net wall area
after openings. Default preview: 139 ft².
Courses
approximate horizontal rows. Default preview: 37.
Units per row
before openings and cuts. Default preview: 30.
Opening deduction
doors and windows. Default preview: 21 ft².
Material cost
units and mortar. Default preview: $840.75.
Methodology
Transparent calculation
BuildMeter converts every input to a consistent internal unit, applies the selected allowance, and rounds products up to whole purchasable units.
Net wall area = length × height − openings. Unit module = (unit length + joint) × (unit height + joint). Units = round up (net area ÷ module area × waste factor).
Reviewed project guidance
How to use this estimate in a real project
Last reviewed: July 29, 2026
Use this calculator to estimate brick or concrete masonry units from net wall area and the actual face module including mortar joints. It is a quantity tool, not a bond-pattern, reinforcement or wall-design tool.
Calculation steps
- 1Calculate gross wall area.
- 2Subtract measured openings.
- 3Apply units per area based on the actual face module.
- 4Add cuts and breakage allowance, then round to packages or pallets.
Worked numerical example
A 30 ft × 8 ft wall with 36 ft² of openings leaves 204 ft². At 6.75 modular bricks per ft² and 8% allowance, order about 1,488 bricks.
Purchasing and rounding
Order full cubes, straps or pallets as sold and retain matching units for repairs. Corners, bond patterns, special shapes and color blending can increase quantity.
Interpret the result
Units per square foot depends on brick or block face size plus joint thickness. A change in module changes count even when wall area is unchanged.
Page-specific assumptions
- Uniform unit size and joint width.
- Openings are fully measured.
- One bond pattern unless separately calculated.
- Waste allowance covers normal cuts and breakage.
Common mistakes
- Using nominal unit dimensions without mortar joints.
- Subtracting openings twice.
- Ignoring corner or closure units.
- Treating unit count as structural wall design.
Primary and technical references
BuildMeter provides planning estimates, not engineering, architectural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, permit or code approval. Review the methodology and verify final decisions with product documentation and qualified professionals.
BuildMeter Guides
Understand the measurements and assumptions
Use these visible reference guides before changing project inputs or planning allowances.
FAQ
Brick & Block Calculator questions
Should mortar joints be included?+
Yes. The visible module includes each brick or block plus the mortar joint, which changes units per square foot or metre.
How much masonry waste should I add?+
Five to ten percent is common for simple walls. Corners, patterns, damage and many cuts may require more.
Does this calculate structural reinforcement?+
No. Reinforcement, lintels, foundations and wall design require project-specific engineering and local-code review.