A worked calculation you can check
- 01
Write the measured scope
Bricks for a 20 × 8 Wall with Openings begins with a visible, checkable scope: Gross wall: 20 ft × 8 ft = 160 sq ft; Opening deductions: 21 + 15 = 36 sq ft; Rate: 6.86 bricks per sq ft; waste: 10%. Keep the units beside every dimension so feet, inches, square feet and purchase coverage cannot be mixed silently.
- 02
Run the unrounded arithmetic
Net field area is 160 − 36 = 124 sq ft. At 6.86 bricks per sq ft, 124 × 6.86 = 850.64; with 10%, the order count is 935.70.
- 03
Convert to complete bricks from compatible production lots
Round to 936 modular bricks as the field estimate. Add any sill, rowlock, corner or special shapes by their own piece schedule. Round only after the final division, then reconcile the number with the sizes or increments the supplier actually sells.
- 04
Test the result against the real project
Lay out coursing at the door and window before purchase because opening heights and widths affect cuts even when their areas are deducted. Use the exact brick's nominal module with mortar joint, bond pattern, corner units, cuts and a project-specific waste allowance.
Worked inputs and arithmetic
Calculate modular brick for a 160 sq ft wall containing one standard door and one large window.
Net field area is 160 − 36 = 124 sq ft. At 6.86 bricks per sq ft, 124 × 6.86 = 850.64; with 10%, the order count is 935.70.
- Gross wall: 20 ft × 8 ft = 160 sq ft
- Opening deductions: 21 + 15 = 36 sq ft
- Rate: 6.86 bricks per sq ft; waste: 10%
What can change this answer
Lay out coursing at the door and window before purchase because opening heights and widths affect cuts even when their areas are deducted.
Brick count does not design support, ties, flashing, drainage, lintels, movement joints, mortar or structural capacity.
- The example assumes the openings truly remain unbricked and uses simplified standard deductions.
- A running bond and a decorative bond can produce different cutting and unit requirements.
- Wall ties, cavity drainage, flashing and lintels are essential scope items outside the brick count.
Turn the example into your own order
Open the Brick Calculator, enter the dimensions from your site and replace the example coverage, yield, density, waste, package size or capacity with the exact value that applies to your modular brick quantity choice. Save the first measured result before testing alternatives so the reason for every change remains visible.
Use the exact brick's nominal module with mortar joint, bond pattern, corner units, cuts and a project-specific waste allowance. Brick count does not design support, ties, flashing, drainage, lintels, movement joints, mortar or structural capacity.
What usually throws the order off
- Copying the bricks for a 20 × 8 wall with openings result without matching all three inputs
- Rounding every dimension before the modular brick quantity calculation
- Ignoring the buyable complete bricks from compatible production lots after the arithmetic
- Using extra modular brick quantity as a substitute for the site and product checks
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the bricks for a 20 × 8 wall with openings answer for a slightly different project?
Use it only as a reasonableness check. Enter your own dimensions and assumptions in the Brick Calculator; small changes in depth, height, repeat, pitch, coverage or capacity adjustment can alter the rounded purchase unit.
Why does the final number round up?
Complete bricks from compatible production lots are not normally purchased as the exact decimal produced by division. Round the final requirement to the next available unit, then document any remaining matching stock instead of hiding it as vague waste.
What should I verify before buying?
Use the exact brick's nominal module with mortar joint, bond pattern, corner units, cuts and a project-specific waste allowance. Also verify this project boundary: Brick count does not design support, ties, flashing, drainage, lintels, movement joints, mortar or structural capacity.
Technical references
These references support the measurement and planning method. Product instructions, the site and applicable local requirements control the final installation.