Plan lifts with accurate brick course counts. Use metric or imperial inputs for consistent layouts. See deviations instantly, then download a clean report here.
| Scenario | Wall height | Brick height | Joint | Top joint | Exact courses | Recommended (up) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical UK wall | 2400 mm | 65 mm | 10 mm | No | 32.133 | 33 |
| Low parapet | 900 mm | 65 mm | 10 mm | No | 12.133 | 13 |
| US modular lift | 96 in | 2.25 in | 0.375 in | Yes | 36.571 | 37 |
Course counts convert a design height into a workable site layout. A typical metric brick course is 75 mm (65 mm brick + 10 mm bed joint), so a 2400 mm wall lands near 32 courses. Knowing the count early helps set scaffold lifts, opening heads, and cavity tray levels.
Start with the module height: brick height plus mortar joint thickness. For imperial work, a common modular course is 2.625 in (2.25 in brick + 0.375 in joint). Small changes add up; a joint shifting by 1 mm across 30 courses moves the top by about 30 mm.
Site practice differs on whether the very top bed joint is included in the finished height. This calculator supports both approaches. If the top joint is excluded, the height model becomes (n·brick) + ((n−1)·joint), which slightly increases the computed exact course count.
Rounding changes what gets built. Round up is conservative when you must meet or exceed an elevation. Round down is useful when overshooting creates conflicts at soffits or lintels. Nearest suits non-critical internal partitions where tolerance is available.
The deviation output shows built height minus target height. If the deviation is large, consider adjusting the target to a clean module or fine-tuning joint thickness within acceptable workmanship limits. Many crews keep bed joints near 10 mm (or 3/8 in) for consistent bonding and aesthetics.
Use the whole-course count to plan sill and head heights. For example, a sill at 900 mm with a 75 mm module aligns near 12 courses. Marking course lines on a story pole reduces cumulative error and speeds quality checks.
Measure actual brick deliveries; manufacturing tolerances and moisture can slightly change dimensions. Verify joint thickness with a gauge and check level every few courses. A simple rule: if your level error is 2 mm per 10 courses, it becomes 6 mm by course 30.
Exporting results supports RFIs, method statements, and daily reports. The CSV is convenient for spreadsheets and takeoff logs, while the PDF provides a clean one-page record of assumptions, inputs, and deviation for the job file.
A brick course is one horizontal layer of bricks with its mortar bed joint. Course counting uses the course module to estimate how many layers are needed to reach a target wall height.
Include it when your specified height is measured to the top of the last mortar bed. Exclude it when the finish height is to the top face of the last brick without an additional bed joint.
Joint thickness repeats every course. A 1 mm change across 30 courses shifts total height by about 30 mm. This is why consistent joints and an agreed module are critical for setting out.
Use round up when you must avoid being short. Use round down when height must not exceed a constraint. Use nearest for preliminary planning when you can adjust joints or detailing later.
Adjust the target height to a whole-course module, or fine-tune joint thickness within acceptable workmanship limits. You can also revise detailing at the top, such as using a slip course, coping, or compressible joint.
No. Keep wall height, brick height, and joint thickness in the same unit system. Choose metric or imperial and enter all values consistently to avoid incorrect course counts and deviation results.
It supports planning and checking, but a story pole remains best for site control. Use the calculator for quick estimates, then confirm with actual materials, agreed joint thickness, and setting-out lines on site.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.