Brick Soldier Course Calculator
Estimate bricks for straight soldier courses above openings, along bands or at wall caps using editable brick width, mortar joint, waste and package size.
Default project preview
159 bricks
Full packages or pallets
1
Purchased bricks
500
Remaining bricks
341
Total course length
48 ft
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.
Total soldier-course length
Enter this project assumption in ft. The current imperial default is 48 ft.
Parallel soldier courses
Enter this project assumption in a unitless value. The current imperial default is 1. Minimum: 1.
Brick width across the course
Enter this project assumption in in. The current imperial default is 3.625 in.
Mortar joint width
Enter this project assumption in in. The current imperial default is 0.375 in.
Cuts and breakage allowance
Enter this project assumption in %. The current imperial default is 10 %. Minimum: 0. Maximum: 50.
Bricks per package or pallet
Enter this project assumption in a unitless value. The current imperial default is 500.
Price per package or pallet
Enter this project assumption in a unitless value. The current imperial default is 420. Minimum: 0.
How to read the outputs
Full packages or pallets
500 bricks each. Default preview: 1.
Purchased bricks
full-package quantity. Default preview: 500.
Remaining bricks
after the modeled order. Default preview: 341.
Total course length
1 course. Default preview: 48 ft.
Brick module
brick width plus mortar joint. Default preview: 4 in.
Brick package cost
full packages or pallets. Default preview: $420.00.
Methodology
Transparent calculation
BuildMeter converts every input to a consistent internal unit, applies the selected allowance, and rounds products up to whole purchasable units.
Brick module = brick width + mortar joint. Layout bricks = total course length ÷ module, rounded up. Add waste, then round purchasing to full packages or pallets.
Reviewed project guidance
How to use this estimate in a real project
Last reviewed: July 30, 2026
Estimate brick count for soldier courses above openings, at wall bands or along landscape edges from run length, actual brick width in the course and joint thickness.
Calculation steps
- 1Measure each soldier-course run including specified bearing or returns.
- 2Use the actual brick dimension presented along the run.
- 3Add the designed mortar-joint thickness to obtain module width.
- 4Round upward by run and add allowance for cuts, damage and color matching.
Worked numerical example
A 24 ft opening band is 288 in long. With 2.25 in brick width plus a 3/8 in joint, each module is 2.625 in, requiring about 110 bricks before end cuts and waste.
Purchasing and rounding
Confirm orientation, brick size and whether special shapes are required. Purchase from the same production lot where appearance is critical.
Interpret the result
The count is a layout estimate. It does not design a structural lintel or confirm that the brick course is self-supporting.
Page-specific assumptions
- Brick dimensions and joint thickness are consistent.
- Each run is calculated separately.
- End conditions do not use uncounted special units.
Common mistakes
- Using brick length when the visible soldier width controls.
- Dividing total combined length without respecting separate openings.
- Ignoring end cuts and returns.
- Treating a soldier course as structural support.
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.
FAQ
Brick Soldier Course Calculator questions
Which brick dimension belongs in the width field?+
Enter the dimension that repeats horizontally when the brick is standing vertically in the soldier course, plus the separate mortar joint field.
Why can the actual joint width differ?+
Masons may adjust joints slightly to center the pattern over an opening or fit a fixed band length. A dry layout helps confirm the final module.
Does this calculate support above an opening?+
No. Lintels, shelf angles, flashing, reinforcement and bearing require the project details and qualified design where applicable.