Brick & Block Calculator
How many bricks or 8×8×16 blocks to buy. Pick the unit, then enter the wall.
This counts units, not mortar. Mortar bags are a second check. If you already know the count, use the mortar calculator. Not for pavers on the ground.
What to buy
How the numbers are figured
Wall area is length × height, minus openings. Brick count uses 7 modular bricks per square foot, the same rule as a common US coverage table and our mortar page. Block count uses 1.125 standard 8×8×16 blocks per square foot. Waste is added, then the count rounds up. Mortar bags divide that buy count by 37 bricks or 13 blocks per 80 lb bag.
Brick and block use the same wall math. The Project menu only changes how many units fit in a square foot. This is one face of wall, not a double-thick wall and not a patio of pavers.
Common questions
How many bricks for a 10x8 wall?
A 10 by 8 foot wall is 80 square feet. At 7 modular bricks per square foot that is 560 bricks before waste. With 10% extra, plan on 616 bricks.
How many 8x8x16 blocks per square foot?
A standard 8 by 8 by 16 inch block covers about 0.889 square feet of wall face, including the joint. That is 1.125 blocks per square foot.
Is this the mortar calculator?
No. This page counts bricks or blocks to buy. Mortar bags are a second number from the same count. If you already know how many units you have, use the mortar calculator.
Do I subtract doors and windows?
Yes. Enter the opening area in square feet. A common door is about 21 square feet. A small window is often 12 to 15 square feet.