Brick & Block Calculator
Use our free brick and block calculator to find out how many masonry units you’ll need for your construction project. Choose metric or imperial, set your wastage, and get an instant estimate based on standard or custom sizes. It’s the easy way to avoid overspending, cut waste, and ensure you order the right amount of bricks or blocks first time.
Standard UK sizes used: Brick 215 × 65 mm. Block 440 × 215 mm. Calculations include the typical ~10 mm mortar joint.
Exact count based on your unit size + joint (joint is added to both length & height).
How do you calculate the number of bricks or blocks needed?
To find the quantity of bricks or blocks you’ll need, calculate the area of the wall you want to build. Then divide this area by the face area of a single brick or block, taking mortar joints into account. Finally, add an allowance for wastage, typically 5–10%.
Sounds complicated and time-consuming? Don’t worry, our brick and block calculator does this automatically for you! Simply enter your wall dimensions, choose between metric or imperial measurements, and you’ll get the number of masonry units you need.
How many blocks per m²?
A standard UK block measuring 440 × 215 × 100mm requires about 10 blocks per m² when laid with a 10mm mortar joint. Larger or smaller block sizes will change this figure. In Quick Estimate mode, our calculator uses this standard size, whilst the Custom Sizes mode lets you adjust the calculation to suit non-standard blocks. (Please note that the estimate of 10 blocks does not include wastage.)
Do I include mortar joints when calculating brick/block quantities?
Including mortar joints is important in brick and block calculations, as mortar joints make up some of the area in a wall. Therefore, mortar joints reduce the number of bricks or blocks needed. Our calculator includes a standard-sized 10mm mortar joint in Quick Estimate mode, but you can change this value in Custom Sizes mode for complete accuracy.
How many bricks per m²?
With standard UK bricks (215 × 102.5 × 65mm) and a 10mm mortar joint, you’ll need 60 bricks per m². If you’re using different brick sizes or joint thicknesses, the number will vary. Our calculator allows you to switch to Custom Sizes so you can enter bespoke brick and mortar joint dimensions.
How many bricks are in a pallet?
The number of bricks per pallet depends on the manufacturer and brick type. Usually, a pallet of facing bricks contains between 400–500 units. To find out exactly how many pallets you’ll need, enter your wall area into our calculator and then compare the total number of bricks required with the pack size listed on the product page.
Does this include corners, returns, or piers?
No. The calculator provides an estimate for a flat wall area only. For detailed take-offs (bonds, returns, piers, soldier courses), consult drawings and adjust wastage or add extras manually. You could also try calculating each section of the wall separately in the calculator or add a higher wastage percentage to cover the extras.
How many bricks to build a house?
The number of bricks needed for a house depends on the size and design. Because designs vary, the best approach is to measure masonry wall areas and input them into our calculator.
Bricks calculation formula
The general formula is:
Wall Area (Height × Length) ÷ ((Brick Length + Mortar Joint) × (Brick Height + Mortar Joint)) = Bricks Needed
Our calculator applies this formula instantly using either standard UK sizes or any custom sizes you enter.
What’s a cavity wall and how does it affect quantities?
A cavity wall consists of two separate walls (called leaves) with a gap in between, usually filled with insulation. Because it requires two leaves, the number of bricks or blocks is roughly doubled compared with a single skin wall. When using our calculator, you’ll need to calculate each leaf separately and then add the totals together.
How much wastage should I allow?
Industry best practice is to allow 5–10% wastage for cuts, breakages, and site handling. Our calculator includes an adjustable wastage setting, so you can choose 0%, 5% or 10% depending on your project.
What area does a pallet of bricks cover?
A pallet of 500 standard bricks will cover around 8–9m² of walling with a 10mm mortar joint. This figure changes if the bricks are a different size or if the mortar joints differ. Our calculator helps you work out the precise coverage, which you can then compare with pallet pack sizes.
Disclaimer: This calculator is designed as a general guide only and should not be relied on as professional advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, figures are approximate and may vary depending on site conditions, brick or block type, and installation methods. We recommend checking all requirements with a qualified professional before ordering materials.