Mortar Calculator

Estimate mortar volume and cement, lime, sand quantities for bricklaying and blockwork.

sq ft
in
%

How to Use This Calculator

Step 1: Enter the total wall area you need to build.

Step 2: Select your brick or block type. Standard bricks are ~8× 2¼ × 3¾ in (215×65×102 mm).

Step 3: Adjust the mortar joint thickness and waste percentage as needed.

The calculator uses a Type N mortar mix ratio of 1:1:6 (cement : lime : sand) which is suitable for general above-grade masonry.

Common Questions

What mortar mix should I use?

Type N (1:1:6) is the most common for general brickwork. Type S (1:0.5:4.5) is stronger and used for structural walls. Type M (1:0.25:3.75) is the strongest for below-grade work.

How much mortar do I need per 1000 bricks?

For standard bricks with 3/8" joints, you need roughly 7–8 bags (cubic feet) of mortar per 1000 bricks.

How thick should mortar joints be?

Standard mortar joints are 3/8 inch (10 mm). Joints can range from 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6–13 mm) depending on the application.

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