Brick Calculator
Use the free Armstrong Cheshire brick calculator to estimate how many bricks you need for a wall. Enter the wall length and height, allow for doors and windows, and calculate an estimated brick quantity including a sensible waste allowance.
Calculate How Many Bricks You Need
Enter your wall measurements below to calculate the approximate number of bricks required.
How Many Bricks Do I Need?
The number of bricks required for a wall depends on the size of the wall, the size of the bricks and the mortar joint used. For a typical UK facing brick measuring approximately 215mm long by 65mm high, a commonly used planning figure is around 60 bricks per square metre when laid with a standard mortar joint.
Our brick calculator works out the wall area first, subtracts doors and windows, and then calculates the estimated brick quantity. A waste allowance can then be added to help account for cuts, breakages and damaged bricks.
Wall length
Measure the full length of the brick wall in metres. For walls with different sections, calculate each section separately and add the areas together.
Wall height
Measure from the bottom of the brickwork to the top. If the wall has different heights, divide it into sections for a more accurate calculation.
Doors and windows
Enter the combined area of openings so that the calculator does not include bricks for areas where there will be doors, windows or other openings.
Waste allowance
A small allowance for wastage can be useful because bricks may be cut, broken or damaged during transport and construction.
Bricks Per Square Metre
A standard UK facing brick is commonly around 215mm × 65mm. With a typical mortar joint, approximately 60 bricks are required per square metre of single-skin brickwork.
This is a useful estimating figure rather than a universal rule. Brick dimensions and mortar joints vary, so always check the manufacturer's specifications for the actual brick being used.
Brick Calculator Example
Imagine you are building a wall 10 metres long and 2.4 metres high.
The gross wall area is:
10m × 2.4m = 24m²
If the wall contains 3m² of doors and windows, the net brickwork area is:
24m² − 3m² = 21m²
Using approximately 60 bricks per square metre gives:
21m² × 60 = 1,260 bricks
Adding a 5% waste allowance would increase the estimated order quantity to approximately 1,323 bricks.
Brick Quantities Per Square Metre
The following figures are useful as general estimating guides for standard brickwork. The actual requirement will vary depending on brick dimensions and mortar joint thickness.
| Brickwork | Approximate bricks per m² | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Standard facing brick | Approx. 60 | General brickwork |
| Engineering brick | Check manufacturer | Structural and specialist applications |
| Larger format brick | Fewer per m² | Depends on exact brick dimensions |
How to Calculate Bricks for a Wall
Calculating the number of bricks needed is relatively straightforward. First calculate the total wall area by multiplying the wall length by its height.
Next, calculate the area of any doors, windows or other openings and subtract this from the total wall area. This gives you the net area of brickwork.
Multiply the net wall area by the number of bricks required per square metre. Finally, add an appropriate waste allowance if required.
Single Skin and Double Skin Brick Walls
A single-skin wall consists of one leaf of brickwork. A double-skin wall contains two leaves and is commonly associated with cavity wall construction.
If both leaves use the same brick size, a simple double-skin calculation will require approximately twice as many bricks as a single leaf covering the same wall area.
Where different materials or brick sizes are used for the inner and outer leaves, calculate each leaf separately using the appropriate coverage figure.
Remember that brick dimensions, bond pattern, mortar joints, openings, cutting and wastage can all affect the final quantity. Use the calculator as an estimating tool and check the manufacturer's brick coverage before placing a large order.
How Much Waste Should I Allow When Ordering Bricks?
Some wastage is normal when building with bricks. Bricks may need to be cut around corners, openings and changes in wall direction, while individual bricks can also be damaged during delivery, handling or construction.
A 5% allowance is a useful general starting point for estimating, but the appropriate amount depends on the project. Walls with many openings, angles, detailed brickwork or extensive cutting may require a different allowance.
Brick Calculator FAQs
How many bricks do I need per square metre?
A commonly used estimating figure for a standard UK facing brick is approximately 60 bricks per square metre of single-skin brickwork. The exact figure depends on the brick dimensions and mortar joint.
How many bricks do I need for a 10m² wall?
Using approximately 60 bricks per square metre, a 10m² single-skin wall would require around 600 bricks before allowing for doors, windows and wastage.
How many bricks do I need for a 20m² wall?
Using approximately 60 bricks per square metre, a 20m² single-skin wall would require around 1,200 bricks before allowing for openings and wastage.
Does the brick calculator allow for windows and doors?
Yes. Enter the combined area of the doors and windows into the calculator and that area will be deducted from the total wall area before the brick quantity is calculated.
How many bricks are in a square metre?
Approximately 60 standard UK bricks are commonly used per square metre of single-skin brickwork. The exact quantity varies according to the brick size and mortar joint.
How do I calculate the number of bricks I need?
Multiply the wall length by its height to calculate the wall area. Subtract the area of doors and windows, then multiply the remaining area by the number of bricks per square metre. Finally, add an allowance for wastage if required.
Does brick size affect the calculation?
Yes. Larger bricks cover more wall area, so fewer bricks are needed per square metre. Smaller bricks require more bricks per square metre. Always check the dimensions and coverage information for the specific brick you are buying.
Should I order extra bricks?
It is generally sensible to allow for some wastage. Cutting, breakages and damaged bricks can all increase the quantity required. A 5% allowance is a useful general estimating figure, although individual projects may require more or less.
Can I use the calculator for a cavity wall?
Yes. Select the double-skin option where both leaves use the same brick coverage. If the two leaves use different materials or brick sizes, calculate each leaf separately.
Is this brick calculator accurate?
The calculator provides an estimate based on the measurements and assumptions entered. Actual quantities can vary because of brick dimensions, mortar joints, bond patterns, cutting, breakages and site conditions. It should therefore be used as a planning and estimating tool.