Brick Calculator
Calculate the bricks and mortar needed for a wall.
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Worked example
Example: a 40 ft × 10 ft wall of 9-inch thickness with 40 sq ft of openings and 5% wastage.
| Bricks needed | 3,102 |
|---|---|
| Wall area | 360 sq ft |
How the Brick Calculator works
Enter wall length, height, thickness and openings. The calculator divides wall volume by the volume of one brick with mortar and adds wastage.
Formula: Bricks = Wall volume ÷ Brick volume with mortar × (1 + wastage)
What to know before you calculate
The count below assumes a standard 9 × 4.5 × 3 inch brick laid with mortar joints of about 3/8 to 1/2 inch. Add wastage for breakage; 5% is a common allowance.
How many bricks a wall needs
The number of bricks is the wall volume divided by the volume of one brick including its mortar joint. A standard Pakistani brick measures about 9 × 4.5 × 3 inches. With a mortar joint of about 3/8 to 1/2 inch, a cubic foot of brickwork needs roughly 11 bricks. A 9-inch wall is one brick length thick, and a 4.5-inch wall is a half-brick wall.
The calculator multiplies the length and height of the wall, subtracts the area of doors and windows, and applies the thickness you choose. It then adds a wastage allowance because bricks break during transport and cutting. Five percent is usual, and a higher figure is sensible for soft or irregular bricks.
Mortar
The mortar estimate assumes a cement-sand mix of about 1:6, which is common for ordinary walls. If you want to know how much cement and sand to order, ask your mason for the mix he will actually use, because the right ratio depends on the quality of the sand and on the load the wall will carry.
Common mistakes
Many people forget the wall thickness and work out only the face area. Others forget that doors and windows reduce the quantity. Measure every wall of the structure, not one wall. If the bricks delivered are a different size from the standard 9 × 4.5 × 3 inch brick, the count changes, so ask for the exact size before you order.
Tips for accurate results
Measure every wall and subtract the true area of doors and windows. Confirm the size of the bricks that will be delivered, and keep an allowance for breakage and cutting.
Roman Urdu mein
Deewar ki lambai, oonchai, motai aur darwazon/khirkiyon ka area daalein to eenton aur masale ki andazan tadaad mil jati hai. Toot phoot ke liye thori extra eenten zaroor mangwayein.
Frequently asked questions
How many bricks are needed per square foot?
About 4 bricks for a 4.5-inch wall and about 8 for a 9-inch wall, before wastage.
How much extra should I order?
Five percent is common for breakage, and soft or irregular bricks may need more. Order from one batch so the size and colour match.
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Disclaimer: results are estimates for general information. Confirm figures with the official authority, bank, institution or a qualified professional.