Brick Mortar Estimator
Estimate the quantity of mortar needed for brick masonry projects
Mortar Quantity Estimate
Bags Needed = Mortar Volume (cu ft) × Bags per cu ft (approx. 0.75 for 80lb bags)
Planning a brick wall project? Use our Brick Mortar Calculator to estimate the exact quantity of mortar you’ll need based on your wall dimensions, brick type, mortar joint thickness, and mix type. Whether you're laying a garden wall, a full brick facade, or a structural wall, this tool gives fast and accurate results without any guesswork.
Designed for both professionals and DIYers, this calculator supports multiple brick formats, waste adjustment, cost estimates, and mix types — making it one of the most versatile mortar calculators for brick walls available online.
How to Calculate Mortar for Brick Walls
The general formula for calculating mortar in brick masonry is:
Mortar Volume = Total Wall Area × Joint Thickness ÷ (Brick Volume + Joint Space)
Step-by-Step Formula:
- Measure wall area: Multiply height by length
- Select brick dimensions: Choose from standard, modular, or other size bricks
- Factor in joint thickness: Typically 3/8", but adjustable as needed
- Add a waste margin: Usually 10% to account for mixing loss and breakage
- Choose mortar mix: Type N, S, M, or O depending on your wall type and climate
Smart Features of Our Brick Mortar Calculator
Our tool isn’t just about numbers — it’s built to be smart, adaptable, and user-friendly. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Multiple Brick Sizes: Choose from six predefined brick types including Standard, Modular, King, Queen, Utility, and Jumbo.
- Custom Wall Inputs: Enter any wall length and height in feet for a precise surface area calculation.
- Adjustable Mortar Joint: Set joint thickness from 0.25" to 1" for realistic and accurate mortar volume estimates.
- Waste Factor Option: Add custom waste percentage to accommodate cutting, spillage, or overmixing during brick work.
- Mix Type Selection: Choose from Type N (medium), Type S (strong), Type M (very strong), or Type O (restoration-friendly) mortar mixes, each with its own cost per bag.
- Live Estimation: Get instant calculations for mortar volume (in cubic feet and cubic yards), number of 80lb bags, and estimated cost — automatically updated as you type.
- Built-in Pricing Logic: Calculates cost based on selected mortar mix, with default prices for each type.
- Responsive and Validated: Automatically checks for invalid inputs and guides users to correct them for accurate results.
- Auto-Triggered Calculations: Results refresh automatically when you change a single input — no need to hit submit every time.
These features make it not just a brick and mortar mix calculator, but a complete planning assistant for any scale of brickwork — from fireplaces and fences to commercial construction.
Standard Mortar Mix Ratios
Here are the common mix proportions for cement mortar in brick masonry:
- 1 part cement : 6 parts sand – general-purpose brickwork
- 1 part cement : 5 parts sand – slightly stronger, for exterior walls
- 1:4:1 (cement:sand:lime) – for smooth and workable mixes
Mortar Requirement Per Brick
- Modular/Standard Bricks: Around 0.3 cu ft of mortar per 100 bricks
- Thin Brick Veneer: Around 2.25 pounds of mortar per sq ft of wall
- Concrete Blocks: About 0.88 cu ft per 100 units
Brick Mortar Coverage (Per Bag)
| Mortar Type | Coverage per 80lb Bag |
|---|---|
| Type N | 350–400 bricks |
| Type S | 400–500 bricks |
| Type M | 300–350 bricks |
| Type O | 250–300 bricks |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much mortar do I need for 1000 bricks?
Approximately 3 to 3.5 cubic feet of mortar is needed, or about 5–6 bags of 80lb mortar mix (depending on joint thickness and brick size).
Can this calculator estimate cost as well?
Yes. Based on your selected mortar type, it estimates the number of bags needed and calculates the approximate total cost in real time.
How do I calculate mortar for thin brick installations?
Thin brick uses less volume, so it's usually calculated in weight per square foot — about 2.25 lbs of mortar per square foot of coverage.
Can I change the joint thickness?
Yes. You can manually set your joint thickness from 0.25" to 1", which will directly affect the final volume of mortar required.
Is this tool usable in the UK or India?
Yes, you can select any brick size and wall dimensions. It supports both imperial and metric conversions depending on your region’s preferred units.
Final Thoughts
Brickwork is only as good as its foundation — and mortar is a huge part of that. Our Brick Mortar Calculator helps you plan efficiently, reduce material waste, and avoid costly surprises on the job site. Whether you're laying bricks for a small project or estimating materials for an entire home, this tool brings clarity and precision to your masonry work.
