How the brick count is calculated
- Wall length × height, minus doors and windows.
- Each brick covers (length + joint) × (height + joint) of wall face.
- Divide, add waste once, and round up.
Example: a UK 215 × 65 mm brick with a 10 mm joint covers 225 × 75 mm, about 59.3 bricks per m². A 5 × 2 m wall needs 593 before waste.
Why bricks are counted differently from blocks
Blocks are usually sold by nominal size, which already includes the joint. Bricks are normally described by their actual size, so the joint is added once. Published "bricks per square foot" figures can differ slightly from this method, because some are based on nominal course heights rather than the exact joint. For example, the Brick Industry Association uses 6.75 US modular bricks per square foot (3 courses per 8 in), while 3/8 in joints in both directions give about 6.86. Choose the method that matches how your plans or supplier count.
Supported: one brick thick (single wythe), running/stretcher bond, bricks laid flat. Not supported yet: double-skin or cavity walls counted as one, Flemish/English bonds, header, soldier or rowlock courses. Sizes vary by manufacturer; confirm with your supplier.