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BuildMate
Masonry

Brick Calculator USA 2026

Estimate how many modular bricks (7.6 per sq ft including mortar joints) you need for any wall, veneer or column, plus mortar bags.

Reviewed by BuildMate Editorial Team Construction Researchers Updated March 2026 2 min read Fact-checked

Used by

250,000+ homeowners

Avg. time

~15 seconds

Updated

2026

Accuracy

Pro estimation

Works on: Desktop Tablet Mobile No registration required
Unit system

Enter your measurements

Results

Wall area

160 sq ft

Bricks required

1,232

Mortar bags (Type S)

30

Calculation steps
  1. 1.Wall area = 20 × 8 = 160 sq ft
  2. 2.Bricks (no waste) = 160 × 7 = 1120
  3. 3.With 10% waste = ⌈1120 × 1.10⌉ = 1232

Includes a standard waste allowance. Verify with your supplier before ordering.

Stored on this device — no account needed.

What this calculator does

Calculates how many blocks, bricks or bags of mortar you need for a wall or column, including a standard 5–10% waste factor for cuts and breakage.

When to use it

  • Building a garden wall, retaining wall or column.
  • Estimating material for a fireplace or chimney.
  • Bidding a brick veneer install.

Common mistakes

  • Forgetting mortar joints in the block count.
  • Not accounting for cap block and half-blocks at ends.
  • Skipping rebar and grout for structural walls.

Pro tips

  • Buy one extra pallet vs. running out mid-course.
  • Use Type S mortar for load-bearing, Type N above grade.
  • Dry-lay the first course to plan cuts.
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Disclaimer: Estimates based on 2026 RSMeans USA data. Actual quantities vary by site conditions, waste and installer practices. Verify with your supplier or contractor before ordering.

How it works

  1. 1Measure the wall length and height in feet.
  2. 2We multiply by 7 bricks per sq ft (modular brick with 3/8" joint).
  3. 3Add 10% waste for cuts and breakage.

Formula

Bricks = Wall Area (sq ft) × 7 × (1 + waste%)

Worked example

A 20 ft × 8 ft wall = 160 sq ft × 7 = 1,120 bricks. With 10% waste ≈ 1,232 bricks.

Frequently asked questions

How many bricks per square foot?

About 7 modular bricks per sq ft with standard 3/8" mortar joints.

How much mortar?

1 bag of Type S mortar sets roughly 40–45 modular bricks.

What waste factor?

10% for straight walls, 15% for corners and openings.

Is the Brick Calculator free to use?

Yes — every BuildMate calculator is 100% free, requires no signup and works offline once the page has loaded.

How accurate are these estimates?

Formulas follow 2026 industry standards (RSMeans, ICC and manufacturer specs). Real-world results vary by site conditions, waste and installer practices — always get 2–3 written quotes from licensed pros before committing.

Can I save my calculation?

Yes. Hit the Save button after you run an estimate — it's stored on this device (no account needed) and you can access it anytime from the Saved drawer.

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