Mortar Calculator
Calculate mortar needed for brick masonry projects.
Area = Length x Height\nBricks = Area x Bricks per Sq Ft\nMortar (cu ft) = (Bricks / 100) x 0.3 x (Joint / 0.5)\n80 lb Bags = Area / 12 x (Joint / 0.5)
Example:\nWall: 20 ft x 8 ft = 160 sq ft\nStandard brick, 0.5 inch joints\n\nBricks = 160 x 7 = 1,120 bricks\nMortar = 11.2 x 0.3 = 3.36 cu ft\nBags = 160 / 12 = approx 14 bags (80 lb)
How much mortar per brick?
Approximately 0.003 cubic feet per brick, varying with joint thickness. Standard 0.5" joints use about 0.3 cu ft per 100 bricks.
What is mortar mix ratio?
Common ratio: 1 part cement to 3-4 parts sand. Type N mortar (general purpose) or Type S (high strength) are typical for brick work.
How much does an 80 lb bag cover?
One 80 lb bag covers approximately 12 sq ft at 0.5" joint thickness for standard brick.
Should I add waste allowance?
Yes, add 5-10% extra for waste, spillage, and variations in wall thickness or joint size.
Does this work for block walls?
This calculator is optimized for brick. Concrete blocks use different coverage rates (about 3 blocks per bag).
🔗 Related Calculators
📐 Formula
Area = Length x Height\nBricks = Area x Bricks per Sq Ft\nMortar (cu ft) = (Bricks / 100) x 0.3 x (Joint / 0.5)\n80 lb Bags = Area / 12 x (Joint / 0.5)
📝 Example Calculation
Example:\nWall: 20 ft x 8 ft = 160 sq ft\nStandard brick, 0.5 inch joints\n\nBricks = 160 x 7 = 1,120 bricks\nMortar = 11.2 x 0.3 = 3.36 cu ft\nBags = 160 / 12 = approx 14 bags (80 lb)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How much mortar per brick?▼
Approximately 0.003 cubic feet per brick, varying with joint thickness. Standard 0.5" joints use about 0.3 cu ft per 100 bricks.
What is mortar mix ratio?▼
Common ratio: 1 part cement to 3-4 parts sand. Type N mortar (general purpose) or Type S (high strength) are typical for brick work.
How much does an 80 lb bag cover?▼
One 80 lb bag covers approximately 12 sq ft at 0.5" joint thickness for standard brick.
Should I add waste allowance?▼
Yes, add 5-10% extra for waste, spillage, and variations in wall thickness or joint size.
Does this work for block walls?▼
This calculator is optimized for brick. Concrete blocks use different coverage rates (about 3 blocks per bag).