- Bricks per Sq Ft: Standard modular bricks require 7 bricks per square foot of wall space for a single layer (single wythe) wall.
- Mortar Bags: One 80lb bag of premixed mortar mix lays approximately 30 standard modular bricks.
- Joint Thickness: The industry standard mortar joint thickness is 3/8 of an inch. Thicker or thinner joints will impact total brick counts.
- Wythe Count: Structural brick walls are typically double-wythe (two brick layers thick) with horizontal metal ties linking the layers.
How to Calculate Brick Wall Pickets & Mortar Materials
Building a brick wall or planter bed is a classic masonry project that adds beauty and value to a home. However, calculating the number of bricks and bags of mortar can be confusing. Buying too few bricks leaves your wall unfinished, while buying too many leaves you with piles of heavy clay bricks on your driveway.
Our brick wall calculator simplifies this by estimating all necessary brick quantities and mortar bags based on your wall height, length, brick sizes, and joint specifications.
1. Estimating Brick Sizes & Wall Wythes
Bricks are manufactured in multiple standard sizes, and calculating the exact surface coverage depends on their dimensional profile:
- Modular Bricks: Measures 7-5/8 inches long by 2-1/4 inches high. This is the most common residential brick.
- King Size Bricks: Measures 9-5/8 inches long by 2-5/8 inches high. Because they are larger, they cover more area per brick and require less labor to lay.
- Queen Size Bricks: Measures 7-5/8 inches long by 2-3/4 inches high.
- Utility Size Bricks: Measures 11-5/8 inches long by 3-5/8 inches high.
Additionally, determine whether your wall will be **single-wythe** (one brick layer thick, typically decorative veneer) or **double-wythe** (two parallel brick layers thick, used for structural or load-bearing retaining walls). Double-wythe walls require twice the number of bricks and mortar.
2. Mortar Selection and Estimations
The wet mud that binds bricks together is called mortar.
For most residential above-grade veneers, garden beds, and chimneys, **Type N mortar** (750 PSI) is standard. For load-bearing structures or below-grade masonry, select **Type S mortar** (1,800 PSI).
A standard 80lb bag of dry mortar mix yields about 0.67 cubic feet of wet mix when prepared. To maintain consistency, keep your joints at exactly 3/8 inches. If joints are wider, mortar consumption increases rapidly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bricks are in a square foot of wall?▼
For a standard modular brick wall with a 3/8-inch mortar joint, you need approximately 7 bricks per square foot for a single-wythe (one brick thick) wall. For a double-wythe wall, double this to 14 bricks per square foot.
What is the size of a standard modular brick?▼
A standard modular brick measures 3-5/8 inches wide, 2-1/4 inches high, and 7-5/8 inches long. When combined with a standard 3/8-inch mortar joint, it fits a modular grid spacing of 4 inches by 8 inches.
How many bags of mortar do I need for 100 bricks?▼
For standard modular bricks, one 80lb bag of mortar mix (Type N) will lay approximately 30 to 35 bricks. Therefore, to lay 100 bricks, you will need approximately 3 bags of 80lb mortar mix.
What is the difference between Type N, Type S, and Type M mortar?▼
Type N mortar is a medium-strength mix (750 PSI) used for general above-grade walls, chimneys, and veneers. Type S mortar is a higher-strength mix (1,800 PSI) used for load-bearing walls, foundations, and patios. Type M mortar is the highest-strength mix (2,500 PSI) used for heavy retainers and stone arches.