body {
font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;
line-height: 1.6;
color: #333;
max-width: 800px;
margin: 0 auto;
padding: 20px;
}
.calculator-wrapper {
background-color: #f8f9fa;
border: 1px solid #e9ecef;
border-radius: 8px;
padding: 30px;
margin-bottom: 40px;
box-shadow: 0 4px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.05);
}
.calc-title {
text-align: center;
color: #2c3e50;
margin-bottom: 25px;
font-size: 24px;
font-weight: 700;
}
.input-group {
margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.input-group label {
display: block;
margin-bottom: 8px;
font-weight: 600;
color: #495057;
}
.input-group input, .input-group select {
width: 100%;
padding: 12px;
border: 1px solid #ced4da;
border-radius: 4px;
font-size: 16px;
box-sizing: border-box;
}
.input-row {
display: flex;
gap: 20px;
}
.input-col {
flex: 1;
}
.btn-calculate {
background-color: #d35400;
color: white;
border: none;
padding: 15px 30px;
width: 100%;
font-size: 18px;
font-weight: bold;
border-radius: 4px;
cursor: pointer;
transition: background-color 0.2s;
margin-top: 10px;
}
.btn-calculate:hover {
background-color: #e67e22;
}
#brickResult {
margin-top: 30px;
display: none;
background-color: #fff;
border-left: 5px solid #d35400;
padding: 20px;
}
.result-item {
margin-bottom: 15px;
border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;
padding-bottom: 10px;
}
.result-item:last-child {
border-bottom: none;
margin-bottom: 0;
}
.result-label {
font-size: 14px;
color: #666;
text-transform: uppercase;
letter-spacing: 0.5px;
}
.result-value {
font-size: 28px;
font-weight: 700;
color: #2c3e50;
}
.sub-value {
font-size: 14px;
color: #888;
font-style: italic;
}
.article-content {
margin-top: 50px;
border-top: 1px solid #eee;
padding-top: 30px;
}
.article-content h2 {
color: #2c3e50;
margin-top: 30px;
}
.article-content h3 {
color: #d35400;
margin-top: 25px;
}
.article-content p, .article-content li {
font-size: 17px;
margin-bottom: 15px;
}
.article-content ul {
padding-left: 20px;
}
.info-box {
background-color: #e8f4f8;
padding: 15px;
border-radius: 5px;
margin: 20px 0;
}
@media (max-width: 600px) {
.input-row {
flex-direction: column;
gap: 0;
}
}
function calculateMaterials() {
// Get Inputs
var length = document.getElementById('wallLength').value;
var height = document.getElementById('wallHeight').value;
var openings = document.getElementById('openingsArea').value;
var bricksPerSqFt = document.getElementById('brickType').value;
var wastePercent = document.getElementById('wasteFactor').value;
var resultBox = document.getElementById('brickResult');
// Validation
if (length === "" || height === "" || length <= 0 || height <= 0) {
alert("Please enter valid positive numbers for wall dimensions.");
return;
}
if (openings === "") openings = 0;
if (wastePercent === "") wastePercent = 0;
// Convert to Floats
var l = parseFloat(length);
var h = parseFloat(height);
var op = parseFloat(openings);
var bFactor = parseFloat(bricksPerSqFt);
var w = parseFloat(wastePercent);
// Core Calculation
var grossArea = l * h;
var netArea = grossArea – op;
if (netArea ~7 bags/1000.
// Factor adjustment: (bFactor / 6.75) roughly scales the joint density.
var mortarRatio = 7; // bags per 1000 bricks
var estimatedBags = (totalBricks / 1000) * mortarRatio;
// Round mortar to nearest half bag or int
estimatedBags = Math.ceil(estimatedBags);
if(estimatedBags < 1) estimatedBags = 1; // Minimum 1 bag
// Display Results
document.getElementById('resBricks').innerHTML = totalBricks.toLocaleString();
document.getElementById('resWaste').innerHTML = w;
document.getElementById('resMortar').innerHTML = estimatedBags;
document.getElementById('resArea').innerHTML = netArea.toFixed(2) + " sq ft";
resultBox.style.display = "block";
}
How to Calculate Bricks for a Wall
Planning a masonry project requires accurate material estimation to avoid costly delays or excessive waste. Whether you are building a retaining wall, a garden planter, or a home extension, understanding how to calculate the number of bricks needed is the first step to a successful project.
1. Determine the Wall Area
The fundamental starting point is calculating the square footage of the surface you intend to cover. The formula is simple:
Wall Area = Length × Height
If your wall has windows, doors, or other non-brick areas, you must calculate the area of these openings and subtract them from your total wall area to get the Net Wall Area.
2. Account for Brick Size (Coverage)
Not all bricks are the same size. In the United States, "Modular" is the most common standard size, but you may use King, Queen, or Utility bricks depending on the aesthetic you desire. This calculator uses standard coverage rates including the mortar joint:
- Standard Modular: Approximately 6.75 bricks per square foot.
- King Size: Larger faces mean fewer bricks, roughly 4.6 per square foot.
- Queen Size: Slightly denser than King, averaging 5.5 per square foot.
3. The Importance of Waste Factor
Bricks are brittle materials. During shipping and cutting, breakage is inevitable. Professional masons always include a "waste factor" in their calculations.
- 5% Waste: Suitable for simple, straight walls with experienced installers.
- 10% Waste: Recommended for DIYers or walls requiring many cuts (corners, windows).
It is always better to have leftover bricks for future repairs than to run out halfway through the job, as dye lots can vary between batches.
4. Estimating Mortar Needs
Mortar estimation is tricky as it depends on joint thickness (usually 3/8 inch). A common rule of thumb for standard modular bricks is that you will need approximately 7 bags (80lb each) of premixed mortar for every 1,000 bricks. This calculator provides a rounded estimate to ensure you have enough bonding material on site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to account for the mortar joint in my measurements?
Yes, but standard coverage rates (like 6.75 bricks/sq ft) already factor in a standard 3/8″ mortar joint. If you choose to have a thicker joint, you will use slightly fewer bricks and more mortar.
What is a single wythe vs. double wythe wall?
A single wythe wall is one brick thick. A double wythe is two bricks thick. This calculator assumes a single layer (veneer or single structural layer). If you are building a double-thick wall, simply double the result provided above.