Inputs
Example Data Table
| Wall (L×H) | Openings | Brick (L×H) | Joint | Waste | Bricks/m² | Total Bricks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 m × 3 m | 1.5 m² | 215 × 65 mm | 10 mm | 5% | ~60.98 | ~1,769 |
| 6 m × 2.7 m | 1.0 m² | 230 × 75 mm | 10 mm | 7% | ~48.48 | ~789 |
Formula Used
This calculator estimates brick count using the modular face area of a single brick, including mortar joints.
- Gross wall area: Agross = L × H
- Net wall area: Anet = max(0, Agross − Aopenings)
- Modular length: lm = (lbrick + tjoint) / 1000
- Modular height: hm = (hbrick + tjoint) / 1000
- Modular face area: Abrick = lm × hm
- Bricks per m²: N = 1 / Abrick
- Total bricks: B = N × Anet
- Total with waste: Bw = B × (1 + w/100)
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the wall length and wall height in meters.
- Add openings area to exclude doors and windows.
- Set brick length and height based on the exposed face.
- Enter mortar joint thickness, usually 8–12 mm.
- Choose a waste allowance for breakage and cuts.
- Click Calculate to view results immediately.
- Use Download CSV or Download PDF for records.
Practical Guide to Brick Quantities per Square Meter
1) Why bricks per m² matter
Accurate brick quantities protect schedules and budgets. Under-ordering causes stoppages, re-handling, and color variation when later batches differ. Over-ordering ties up cash, increases onsite damage, and raises disposal costs. A consistent bricks-per-square-meter method helps estimators compare walls quickly and align procurement with delivery constraints.
2) What changes the count
The key driver is the brick face size plus mortar joint, often called the modular size. Larger bricks or thicker joints reduce bricks per m²; smaller faces or thinner joints increase the count. Bond pattern, cut bricks at corners, returns, and detailing around openings also influence wastage. This calculator captures the dominant effect through modular face area and then applies a waste allowance.
3) Net wall area is the quantity base
Estimation should start from net wall area: wall length × wall height, minus openings such as doors and windows. Netting out openings avoids double counting and improves consistency between design changes and site measurement. If the wall includes many reveals or thick returns, consider a slightly higher waste percentage to reflect additional cuts and breakage.
4) Example calculation
Example inputs: wall length 10 m, wall height 3 m, openings 1.5 m². Brick face 215 × 65 mm with a 10 mm joint and 5% waste. Gross area is 30.0 m²; net area is 28.5 m². The modular face becomes (0.225 m × 0.075 m) = 0.016875 m², which yields about 59.26 bricks/m². Net bricks are about 1,689; with 5% waste the order quantity becomes about 1,773 bricks.
| Input | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Wall length | 10 | m |
| Wall height | 3 | m |
| Openings | 1.5 | m² |
| Brick size | 215 × 65 | mm |
| Joint thickness | 10 | mm |
| Waste allowance | 5 | % |
5) Waste allowance guidance
Waste is not only breakage. It covers cuts for alignment, bonding at corners, scaffolding handling losses, and occasional rework. For simple straight walls with consistent detailing, 3–5% can be reasonable. For complex façades, multiple openings, or tight tolerances, 7–10% is commonly used. Always align the allowance with site storage conditions and transport distance.
6) Cost checks and procurement notes
If you enter a unit price, the calculator estimates material cost for the brick quantity including waste. Use this number as a quick check, then validate against supplier pack sizes and lead times. Ordering in whole pallets or bundles often reduces unit cost and minimizes partial packs. Record the calculation output as a CSV or PDF for audit trails and variation management.
FAQs
1) Does this include mortar volume?
No. It estimates brick count using modular face area. Mortar volume depends on joint profile, wall thickness, and absorption. Use a dedicated mortar estimator if you need volumes.
2) What brick dimension should I enter?
Enter the exposed face dimensions for your wall orientation. For standard stretcher face, use brick length and height. For other faces, swap dimensions accordingly.
3) How do I handle cavity or double-leaf walls?
Calculate each leaf separately using its face brick size and net area, then add results. Waste may differ between facing and backing bricks based on handling and detailing.
4) Why do my site counts differ from drawings?
Differences come from openings changes, lintels, returns, bond pattern adjustments, and cutting losses. Update openings area and increase waste allowance for complex detailing.
5) What mortar joint thickness should I use?
Typical joints are around 8–12 mm, but specifications vary. If your project controls joint thickness tightly, use the specified value for better accuracy.
6) Should I round up the total bricks?
Yes. Suppliers deliver in packs or pallets. Round up to the nearest pack size after adding waste, and consider an extra buffer for phased deliveries.
7) Can I use this for blocks instead of bricks?
Yes. Enter the block face dimensions and joint thickness. The method is identical: modular face area determines units per square meter.
Accurate brick estimates reduce delays, waste, and disputes greatly.