Brick Calculator
Estimate how many bricks you need for a wall, with mortar joints and a waste allowance built in.
Calculator
Enter the wall face size in metres, choose a UK brick size or enter a custom size, set the mortar joint, then add waste for cuts and breakages.
Wall & brick inputs
Results
Bricks per m² is calculated from brick face size plus mortar joint thickness. Quantities are rounded up to whole bricks. This assumes single-skin stretcher bond.
How This Calculator Works
What it does
This calculator estimates how many bricks you'll need to build a rectangular wall, including an optional allowance for mortar joints and waste.
How the calculation works
The wall area is calculated by multiplying the wall width by the wall height. The calculator then estimates the number of bricks required based on the selected brick size and mortar joint dimensions. A waste allowance is applied, and the final result is rounded up to the nearest whole brick.
Formula
- Wall Area = Width × Height
- Bricks per m² = 1 ÷ ((Brick Length + Mortar Joint) × (Brick Height + Mortar Joint))
- Bricks Required = (Wall Area × Bricks per m²) × (1 + Waste %)
- Where brick and mortar sizes are converted to metres before multiplying.
Why it matters
Ordering the correct number of bricks helps avoid costly delays, reduces material waste and keeps projects running smoothly. Adding a waste allowance also accounts for cuts, breakages and damaged bricks during construction.
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Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about this calculator and how UK trades use the figures day to day.
How is bricks per m² calculated?
From the brick face length and height plus the mortar joint on each side: 1 ÷ ((length + joint) × (height + joint)), with all sizes converted to metres.
What is a standard UK brick size?
A common metric UK brick is 215 × 102.5 × 65 mm. With a 10 mm joint that works out at about 59 to 60 bricks per m² for stretcher bond.
What waste percentage should I use?
5% is a common starting point. Increase for cuts, openings, or lower-grade bricks.
Does this cover double-skin walls?
This estimates one leaf. For cavity walls, calculate each leaf (or double a single-skin result if both leaves match).
Can I set mortar to zero?
Yes, if you want a brick-only face packing figure. Most site work uses a joint around 10 mm.
Are openings deducted?
Not automatically. Subtract door and window areas from the wall size before you enter dimensions, or reduce width and height accordingly.
Can I use this for blocks?
Use Custom Size and enter the block face length and height. Confirm bond and joint size with your supplier.
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