A brick wall isn’t just bricks — it’s bricks plus mortar joints. This calculator subtracts the mortar from the wall area before dividing by brick face size, so the count is accurate regardless of brick size or joint width.
How brick count is calculated
count = (wall area ÷ effective brick area) × 1.10 (10% waste)
The “effective brick area” treats each brick as occupying its own size plus the surrounding mortar joints. This is the standard masonry formula and matches the bricks-per-sq-ft published by every major brick manufacturer.
Standard brick sizes
| Brick type | Face size (L × H) | Bricks/sq ft (3/8" joint) |
|---|---|---|
| Modular | 7.625" × 2.25" | 6.85 |
| Queen | 7.625" × 2.75" | 5.85 |
| King | 9.625" × 2.625" | 4.85 |
| Engineer Modular | 7.625" × 2.75" | 5.85 |
| Roman | 11.625" × 1.625" | 6.40 |
| Norwegian | 11.625" × 2.75" | 3.85 |
Modular is the most common US residential brick — that’s the default in the calculator.
Subtracting openings
If your wall has windows, doors, or vents, calculate the wall area minus the openings, then plug the result in. Most bricklayers don’t subtract openings under 5 sq ft (waste covers it). For larger openings, calculate them separately and subtract from the gross wall area.
Mortar — the other half of the order
Plan on 1 bag of Type N or Type S mortar per 100 bricks. For a 1,000-brick wall:
- 10 bags mortar (70-80 lb each)
- ~25 cu ft (1 cu yd) of masonry sand
- Water (free)
Mortar isn’t optional — it’s the structural connection. Use Type S for foundations and load-bearing walls, Type N for above-grade non-structural (most decorative work).
Buying tips
- Order all bricks from the same lot. Color batches vary slightly between manufacturing runs. A wall built with two lots will have visible color stripes.
- Inspect on delivery. Reject any pallet with more than 5% chipped or broken bricks.
- Store on pallets, off the ground, covered. Wet bricks are heavy and can absorb mortar moisture, weakening the joint.
- Returns are usually 25% restocking. Don’t massively over-order — 10% is the right buffer.
Frequently asked questions
How many bricks per square foot?
For standard modular brick (7.625" × 2.25") with 3/8" mortar joint: about 6.85 bricks per sq ft of wall face. Queen brick (7.625" × 2.75"): ~5.85/sq ft. King brick (9.625" × 2.625"): ~4.85/sq ft. Order 10% extra for cuts and breakage.
What's the difference between modular, queen, and king brick?
Modular (7.625 × 2.25 × 3.625) — the standard US residential brick. Queen (7.625 × 2.75 × 2.75) — taller, fewer needed per wall. King (9.625 × 2.625 × 2.625) — both longer and taller, ~30% fewer bricks needed. King and queen save labor; modular is cheapest per brick.
How much mortar do I need with the bricks?
Roughly 1 bag of Type N mortar (70 lb) per 100 bricks with standard 3/8" joints. For 1,000 bricks, plan on 10 bags of mortar plus sand. Use our Mortar Calculator for an exact number based on your brick size and joint width.
What size mortar joint should I use?
3/8" is the residential standard. Wider joints (1/2") look more rustic, use more mortar, but are more forgiving of brick size variation. Narrower joints (1/4") look cleaner but require precise brick selection. Going under 1/4" is impractical with standard bricks.
Should I order extra bricks?
Yes. Order at least 10% extra for cuts at corners, openings, and ends, plus breakage during delivery and laying. For complex patterns (Flemish bond, herringbone), order 15-20% extra. The calculator includes 10% by default.