How to Use This Masonry Calculator
This calculator estimates bricks, blocks, and mortar for your wall project. It calculates
mortar, sand, and costs too.
Step 1: Choose Your Masonry Unit
Pick your brick or block type:
Standard Brick (8" × 2.25" × 4")
The classic red clay brick. About 7 bricks per square foot with 3/8" joints. Good for
walls, fireplaces, and decorative work. Cost: $0.50-1.00 each.
Modular Brick (7.625" × 2.25" × 3.625")
Slightly smaller than standard. Built for modern modular construction. Same count per
square foot. Easier to handle and more consistent.
Concrete Block / CMU (16" × 8" × 8")
The workhorse of construction. About 1.125 blocks per square foot. Use for foundations,
retaining walls, and structural walls. Cost: $1.50-3.00 each.
Split Face Block
Decorative CMU with a rough, stone-like texture. Same size as standard CMU. Looks great
without extra finishing.
Glass Block (8" × 8" × 4")
Lets light through while keeping privacy. Popular for bathrooms, basements, and accent
features. Needs special installation methods.
Step 2: Measure Your Wall
Enter total length and height in feet. For walls with multiple sections, calculate each
part or add them together.
Tip: Measure from foundation top to wall top. Don't include cap or coping.
Step 3: Account for Openings
Enter total square feet of doors and windows. This reduces your material estimate.
Example: A 3'×7' door = 21 sq ft. A 3'×4' window = 12 sq ft.
Understanding Mortar
Mortar bonds masonry units together. Choose the right type for your job:
- Type N - General purpose, medium strength. Best above grade.
- Type S - Higher strength. For load-bearing and below-grade walls.
- Type M - Highest strength. For foundations and heavy loads.
Coverage: One 70-lb bag makes 0.5 cu ft of mortar. That's enough for
35-40 bricks or 8-10 blocks.
Brick & Block Coverage Table
Quick reference for estimating materials per 100 square feet of wall area:
| Unit Type | Size | Units/Sq Ft | Per 100 Sq Ft | Mortar Bags (70-lb) |
| Standard Brick | 8" × 2.25" × 4" | 7.0 | 700 | 18-20 |
| Modular Brick | 7.625" × 2.25" × 3.625" | 6.8 | 680 | 17-19 |
| Queen Brick | 8" × 2.75" × 3.125" | 5.8 | 580 | 15-17 |
| Utility Brick | 12" × 4" × 4" | 4.5 | 450 | 12-14 |
| CMU Block (8") | 16" × 8" × 8" | 1.125 | 113 | 12-14 |
| CMU Block (12") | 16" × 8" × 12" | 1.125 | 113 | 14-16 |
| Split Face Block | 16" × 8" × 8" | 1.125 | 113 | 12-14 |
*Includes 3/8" mortar joints. Add 10% for waste factor.
Mortar Type Selection Guide
| Mortar Type | Strength (PSI) | Best Applications | Cost/Bag |
| Type N | 750 | Above-grade exterior, interior walls, veneer | $8-12 |
| Type S | 1,800 | Below-grade, retaining walls, load-bearing | $10-14 |
| Type M | 2,500 | Foundations, below-grade heavy loads | $12-16 |
| Type O | 350 | Interior non-load-bearing, repointing | $7-10 |
Wall Types Explained
- Single Wythe - One layer thick. Common for interior walls and
non-structural use.
- Double Wythe - Two layers with air space or insulation. Traditional
for exterior walls.
- Brick Veneer - Single brick layer on a frame structure. Decorative
only, not load-bearing.
- Structural Wall - Load-bearing with reinforcement. Needs engineer
approval.
Tips for Accurate Estimating
- Add 10% waste - Covers cutting, breakage, and mistakes
- Check brick sizes - Dimensions vary by manufacturer
- Know local codes - Structural walls have specific requirements
- Plan for scaffolding - Walls over 4 feet need safe platforms
- Watch the weather - Avoid rain, extreme cold, or heat
Cost Factors
Masonry costs vary by material and labor:
| Material | Material Cost/sq ft | Labor Cost/sq ft | Total/sq ft |
| Standard Brick | $6-10 | $10-15 | $16-25 |
| Concrete Block | $2-4 | $6-10 | $8-14 |
| Split Face Block | $3-5 | $8-12 | $11-17 |
| Glass Block | $25-35 | $20-30 | $45-65 |
What tools do I need for masonry?
Essential tools include: mason's trowel, brick hammer, level (4' and torpedo), mason's
line and blocks, joint tool (jointer), mixing tools, and safety equipment (glasses,
gloves, dust mask). A wet saw for cutting makes the job much easier.