PROJECTMETER
Calculators/Brick

Brick Calculator

Estimate complete bricks for a straight wall after door and window openings, unit rate and waste.

Free · No signup · Reviewed August 22, 2026
Step 1
Set your project size

Use the finished area you plan to cover, then refine the assumptions below.

Step 2 · Visual referenceCheck the active area
Residential brick wall project reference
Gross face160 ft²Openings36 ft²Net face124 ft²

Why it mattersSee gross wall face, opening deductions and net masonry area.

Reference image; figures update from your measurements.

You’ll need

936 complete bricks
Shopping list
936complete bricks
124sq ft net wall
1 wall$1,076.40 primary material estimate

Project shopping list

Use your result as a starting point, then confirm package coverage, product instructions and local requirements before purchasing.

MaterialBrickPackagemodular brickAllowanceIncluded

How the calculation works

net wall area × bricks per area × (1 + waste)

Enter each project area, choose the measurement system, then adjust waste and real package coverage. Packaged materials round up so the shopping list never suggests part of a box, sheet or panel.

MEASURE WITH CONFIDENCE

How to use the brick calculator

Measure straight wall length and height, deduct doors and large windows, enter the brick rate for the selected unit and joint, then apply cutting waste. ProjectMeter rounds the result up to complete bricks and shows net wall area.

Formula and guidance reviewed August 22, 2026. Always confirm the final order with product instructions and project requirements.
STEP BY STEP

What to measure

  1. 01

    Measure each wall face

    Record finished wall length and vertical height. Add returns, gables, piers and walls with different heights as separate entries rather than hiding them inside one average rectangle.

  2. 02

    Count major openings

    Enter standard doors and large windows so their planning areas are removed. Lintels, sills, jamb cuts and special brick around openings still need a masonry layout.

  3. 03

    Confirm bricks per area

    Brick dimensions and mortar joints determine unit rate. Use the manufacturer's or supplier's stated bricks per square foot or square metre for the exact size and bond where available.

  4. 04

    Add bond and cutting allowance

    Corners, returns, bond pattern, damaged units and cuts create waste. Adjust the allowance to the real elevation and keep special shapes separate from standard field brick.

WORKED EXAMPLE

20 × 8 ft wall with one door and one window

  • 160 sq ft gross wall
  • 36 sq ft standard opening deduction
  • 6.86 modular bricks per sq ft
  • 10% cutting allowance
Calculated result

Net wall area is 124 sq ft. Applying the modular unit rate and 10% allowance produces 935.7 bricks, so the shopping list rounds up to 936 complete bricks.

Try your own measurements ↑
AVOID COSTLY REWORK

Common mistakes before you buy

  • Order field brick, corners, sills, coping and other special shapes as separate line items using the approved elevation.
  • Brick color and texture vary by production run; confirm blend and purchase from the intended batch when appearance matters.
  • Mortar type, wall ties, flashing, weeps, movement joints, lintels and structural support require a project-specific masonry design and are not implied by the unit count.
FROM QUANTITY TO BUDGET

Compare the complete project cost

Your material quantity is only one part of a quote. Preparation, removal, access, finishing and local labour can change the installed total.

Build a brick wall$2,000–$9,000Plan a brick wall by face area while separating footing, drainage, brick type, mortar, access and permits.Read cost guide →Repoint brick mortar$400–$2,500 per 100 sq ftBudget mortar-joint removal and replacement by wall area, access, joint depth, mortar match, brick repair and detailing.Read cost guide →
MEASURE BEFORE YOU ORDER

Planning guides for this calculator

Use the live model for feedback, then use these guides to verify the dimensions and material assumptions behind the result.

Measure & estimateBrick Wall Measurement and OpeningsMeasure net brick wall area while retaining the corners, returns, piers and lintel details that a flat elevation can hide.Read guide →Choose & planBrick Waste, Mortar and Bond PlanningCoordinate brick overage with bond pattern, corner units, colour blending and a separate mortar estimate.Read guide →Compare materialsModular vs Queen vs Utility BrickCompare brick sizes by units per area, wall module, openings, labour, handling and compatibility with an existing elevation.Read guide →Specify & buyHow to Match Existing BrickDocument size, texture, colour range, bond and mortar before selecting brick for an addition or repair.Read guide →Plan a projectBrick Veneer Repair PlanningDocument damaged units, bond, mortar and water details before counting replacement brick for a localized veneer repair.Read guide →Avoid failuresHow to Reduce Brick Efflorescence and SpallingAddress water movement, salts, freeze-thaw exposure and incompatible coatings before cleaning or replacing damaged brick.Read guide →Time the workCold-Weather Brick Masonry PlanningCoordinate units, mortar, substrate, protection and temperature records before laying brick.Read guide →Protect & maintainMortar Curing and Cleaning TimingProtect fresh masonry and test cleaning without damaging mortar joints or brick faces.Read guide →Manage the projectBrick masonry: Budget, Quotes, Safety and CloseoutManage a complete brick masonry project from measured quantity and comparable bids through safety checks, maintenance records and final acceptance.Read guide →Worked exampleBricks for a 10 × 8 WallEstimate modular bricks for an 80 sq ft straight wall using 6.86 bricks per sq ft and 10% waste.Read guide →Worked exampleBricks for a 20 × 8 Wall with OpeningsCalculate modular brick for a 160 sq ft wall containing one standard door and one large window.Read guide →Worked exampleBricks for 1,000 Sq Ft of VeneerTurn 1,000 measured sq ft of net veneer field into modular brick quantity with a 10% allowance.Read guide →
TAKE THE PLAN TO THE SITE

Interactive project checklists

Use the pre-order list before material arrives, then save the inspection and maintenance list for closeout and future care.

BRICK MASONRY · READYBrick Delivery and Mockup ChecklistVerify unit dimensions, color range, mortar, flashing and sample panel before masonry production.Open 12-task checklist →BRICK MASONRY · CAREBrick Wall Inspection ChecklistDocument cracks, mortar, flashing, weeps and moisture patterns before cleaning or repair.Open 12-task checklist →
COMMON QUESTIONS

Brick calculator FAQ

How many modular bricks are in one square foot?

A common modular face is 7 5/8 by 2 1/4 inches. With a nominal mortar joint, the planning rate is roughly 6.86 bricks per square foot, but use the exact supplier rate for the selected product and bond.

Should doors and windows be deducted?

Large openings can be deducted for field-brick quantity. Their edges still require cuts, lintels, sills or special units, so retain a suitable waste allowance and use the approved wall elevation.

Does the calculator include mortar?

No. Mortar quantity changes with brick depth, joint profile, bed thickness, workmanship and waste. Obtain a material-specific estimate from the masonry specification or supplier.

KEEP PLANNING
Siding CalculatorEstimate vinyl siding squares for straight exterior walls after door and window deductions.Concrete CalculatorPlan slab volume in cubic yards or cubic metres, plus common bag quantities.Roofing CalculatorEstimate pitched-roof area, roofing squares, shingle bundles and underlayment rolls.

Plan accurately. Build safely.

This calculator is a planning estimate, not engineering or code approval. Follow manufacturer instructions and consult a qualified professional for structural, electrical, gas or permit-sensitive work.