How many bricks per square foot?
The number depends on brick size and the mortar joint. With standard 3/8 inch joints, the Brick Industry Association's estimating guide gives these figures for a single-wythe wall:
| Brick | Bricks per sq ft |
|---|---|
| Modular | About 6.75 |
| Standard | About 6.55 |
| Queen | About 5.5 |
The calculator multiplies your wall area by that number and adds waste. The same guide recommends adding at least 5 percent to net brick quantities.
Example: a 20 × 8 ft wall in modular brick
- Area: 160 sq ft
- 160 × 6.75 = 1,080 bricks
- Add 5%: 1,134 bricks
Things that change the count
- Openings: subtract the area of doors and windows. A standard door is about 21 sq ft.
- Bond pattern: patterns with header courses, like Flemish or English bond, use more brick than running bond.
- Double walls: for two wythes, double the count.
Building a brick or paver patio instead? The paver calculator handles base and sand too.
Frequently asked questions
How many bricks are in a square foot?
About 6.75 modular bricks, 6.55 standard bricks or 5.5 queen bricks per square foot, with 3/8 inch mortar joints.
How many bricks do I need for a 10x10 wall?
A 100 square foot wall needs about 675 modular bricks, or 709 with 5 percent waste.
How much extra brick should I buy?
At least 5 percent. Add more for complex patterns, lots of cuts or if you're new to laying brick.
Does the calculator include mortar?
No. Mortar is figured separately. Your supplier can estimate bags of mortar from the number of bricks.
Sources
Results are estimates for planning. Product coverage, site conditions and installation methods vary, so check manufacturer guidance before you buy.