Brick Calculator - How Many Bricks Do I Need?
Calculate Bricks for UK Construction Projects
Whether you're building a garden wall, house extension, brick pillar, or retaining structure, this calculator helps you determine exactly how many bricks you need. Enter your project dimensions and select your brick type to get accurate results including mortar quantities and cost estimates.
Based on standard UK brick sizes (215mm × 102.5mm × 65mm) with 10mm mortar joints. Includes recommended wastage allowance for cuts and breakages. All calculations follow UK Building Regulations and industry standards.
Standard Wall Calculator
Calculate bricks for straight walls - garden walls, boundary walls, house extensions
Pillar & Column Calculator
Calculate bricks for gateposts, pier caps, and decorative columns
4 bricks/course
6 bricks/course
8 bricks/course
12 bricks/course
Retaining Wall Calculator
Calculate bricks for stepped retaining walls - includes engineering brick recommendations
Deduct Openings from Total
Calculate bricks to deduct for doors, windows, and other openings
UK Brick Sizes Explained
Understanding brick sizes is essential for accurate calculations. The UK transitioned from Imperial to Metric bricks in the 1960s, but both are still encountered today in renovation and matching work.
| Brick Type | Work Size (L × W × H) | Coordinating Size | Bricks/m² | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard UK (Metric) | 215 × 102.5 × 65mm | 225 × 112.5 × 75mm | 60 | New builds, extensions |
| Imperial (Pre-1965) | 228 × 114 × 76mm | 238 × 124 × 86mm | 48 | Matching period properties |
| Metric Modular | 200 × 100 × 75mm | 210 × 110 × 85mm | 50 | Commercial, industrial |
| Engineering Class A | 215 × 102.5 × 65mm | 225 × 112.5 × 75mm | 60 | Foundations, manholes |
| Engineering Class B | 215 × 102.5 × 65mm | 225 × 112.5 × 75mm | 60 | Below DPC, retaining walls |
Work Size vs Coordinating Size
Work size: The actual brick dimensions (215 × 102.5 × 65mm)
Coordinating size: Brick plus 10mm mortar joint (225 × 112.5 × 75mm) - used for setting out and calculating courses
The 75mm Rule
With standard UK bricks and 10mm joints, 4 courses = 300mm height. This makes modular construction and window/door placement calculations straightforward.
Brick Calculation Formulas
Wall Bricks
Bricks = Area (m²) × 60 × Thickness Factor
Thickness: ×1 (half), ×2 (one brick), ×3 (1.5 brick)
Pillar Bricks
Bricks = (Height ÷ 0.075) × Bricks/Course
1×1 = 4, 1.5×1.5 = 6, 2×2 = 8 bricks/course
Mortar Volume
Mortar (m³) = Bricks × 0.0005
≈ 0.5m³ per 1000 bricks
Worked Example
Project: Garden wall - 6m long × 1.8m high, half-brick thickness
1. Calculate wall area: 6m × 1.8m = 10.8m²
2. Bricks per m² (half brick): 60
3. Base calculation: 10.8 × 60 = 648 bricks
4. Add 10% wastage: 648 × 1.10 = 713 bricks
5. Order: Round up to nearest pack (750 or 800)
Types of Bricks Available in the UK
Common Bricks
Cost: £250-400 per 1000
Strength: ~20 N/mm²
Use: Internal walls, concealed work, backing to facing bricks. Not suitable for exposed surfaces.
Facing Bricks
Cost: £400-800 per 1000
Finish: Smooth, textured, or rustic
Use: External walls, feature walls, anywhere aesthetics matter. Wide range of colours from Ibstock, Forterra, Wienerberger.
Engineering Class A
Cost: £600-900 per 1000
Strength: ≥125 N/mm², Water: <4.5%
Use: High-load areas, manholes, sewage works, below ground. Blue Staffordshire type.
Engineering Class B
Cost: £500-700 per 1000
Strength: ≥75 N/mm², Water: <7%
Use: Below DPC, retaining walls, foundations. Red engineering bricks.
Reclaimed Bricks
Cost: £800-2000+ per 1000
Character: Weathered, authentic patina
Use: Heritage projects, matching period properties. Sizes vary - check carefully.
Handmade Bricks
Cost: £1000-2500 per 1000
Appearance: Irregular, traditional
Use: High-end residential, listed building repairs, conservation areas.
UK Brick Manufacturers
Major brands: Ibstock, Forterra (London Brick), Wienerberger, Michelmersh, Bovingdon, Northcot. Each offers different colours, textures, and regional styles. Local brick merchants can advise on matching existing brickwork.
Brick Bond Patterns
The bond pattern determines both the appearance and structural strength of your brickwork. Here are the most common patterns used in the UK.
Stretcher Bond
Most common pattern
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Bricks laid lengthways, joints staggered by half. Used for cavity walls, single-skin partitions. Simple, economical.
English Bond
Strongest pattern
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Alternating rows of stretchers and headers. Maximum strength for solid walls, traditional for engineering.
Flemish Bond
Decorative and strong
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Headers and stretchers alternate in each course. Georgian and Victorian favourites. Slightly less strong than English.
Header Bond
Curved walls
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Only brick headers visible. Used for curved walls, arches, decorative features. More bricks per m².
Mortar Requirements for Bricklaying
Mortar per 1000 Bricks
- Mortar volume: 0.5m³ (500 litres)
- Building sand: ~0.8 tonnes (1600kg)
- Cement (5:1 mix): 4-5 bags (25kg)
- Plasticiser: 1-2 bottles
- Ready-mix bags: 20-25 bags (25kg)
Mortar Mix Ratios (BS 5628)
M2 (internal): 1:0.5:4.5 (cement:lime:sand)
M4 (general): 1:1:6 or 5:1 (cement:sand)
M6 (strong): 1:0.5:4.5 or 4:1
M12 (below DPC): 1:0.25:3 or 3:1
Important Mortar Tips
- Use building sand (soft/sharp sand), not plastering sand
- Add plasticiser (Feb-mix) for workability and frost resistance
- Mix only what you can use in 1-2 hours - mortar goes off
- Don't lay bricks in freezing conditions or heavy rain
- Use lime mortar for heritage/conservation work (flexible, breathable)
- Keep mortar joints 10mm thick for standard calculations
UK Brick Prices 2024-2025
Brick prices vary significantly by type, manufacturer, and region. These prices are typical trade prices including VAT.
Common
£250-400
per 1000 (25-40p)
Facing
£400-800
per 1000 (40-80p)
Engineering
£500-900
per 1000 (Class A/B)
Reclaimed
£800-2000+
per 1000 (varies)
Handmade
£1000-2500
per 1000 (premium)
Fire Bricks
£3-10
each (specialist)
Pack Sizes & Delivery
- Bulk packs: 400-500 bricks per pack
- Individual DIY store prices: 50p-£1.50 each
- Delivery: £50-150 depending on quantity and distance
- Crane offload service: £50-100 extra (heavy pallets)
Bricks per Square Metre Quick Reference
| Wall Type | Standard Bricks | Mortar (per m²) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half-brick (102.5mm) | 60 bricks | 0.03m³ | Garden walls, partitions |
| One-brick (215mm) | 120 bricks | 0.05m³ | Solid walls, retaining walls |
| 1.5-brick (327.5mm) | 180 bricks | 0.075m³ | Heavy retaining, load-bearing |
| Two-brick (440mm) | 240 bricks | 0.1m³ | Major structural walls |
| Cavity wall (both leaves) | 120 bricks | 0.06m³ | House extensions, new builds |
Wastage Allowance Guide
- 5% - Simple straight walls, no cuts
- 10% - Standard work with openings
- 15% - Complex work, corners, steps
- 20%+ - Curved walls, arches, decorative
Ordering Tips
- Order all bricks from same batch for colour match
- Round up to nearest pack size (400/500)
- Keep extras for future repairs
- Store on level ground, covered
UK Building Regulations for Brick Walls
Planning Permission
- Garden walls under 2m: Usually permitted development
- Walls near highways: Max 1m without permission
- Conservation areas: May need approval
- Listed buildings: Always requires consent
- Party wall work: Notify neighbours
Building Regulations
- Structural walls: Always require approval
- Extensions: Building control inspection
- Garden walls over 2.5m: Engineering required
- Retaining walls: Check with local authority
- Part A (Structure): Load-bearing compliance
Technical Requirements
Foundations: 450mm wide × 225mm deep (garden walls)
DPC: Min 150mm above ground level
Wall ties: 2.5 per m² (cavity walls)
Movement joints: Every 10-12m
Coping: Required on freestanding walls
Piers: Required every 3m for half-brick walls
Frequently Asked Questions
Click on a question to reveal the answer.
How many bricks do I need per square metre?
For standard UK bricks (215mm × 102.5mm × 65mm) with 10mm mortar joints, you need approximately 60 bricks per square metre for a single skin (half-brick) wall, or 120 bricks per square metre for a full brick (one-brick thick) wall. This calculation includes mortar joints but excludes wastage - add 5-10% extra for cuts, breakages, and future repairs.
What is the standard UK brick size?
The standard UK brick size is 215mm × 102.5mm × 65mm (length × width × height). This is known as a 'metric brick' and replaced the older Imperial size (228mm × 114mm × 76mm) in the 1960s. When laid with standard 10mm mortar joints, four courses of bricks measure exactly 300mm in height, making calculations and modular construction easier.
How much mortar do I need per 1000 bricks?
For 1000 standard bricks laid in stretcher bond with 10mm joints, you need approximately 0.5 cubic metres (500 litres) of mortar. This equates to roughly 4-5 bags of 25kg cement and 0.8 tonnes of building sand when mixed at a 5:1 ratio. Ready-mix mortar requires about 20-25 bags (25kg each). Always mix slightly more than calculated as mortar is wasted during pointing.
How much do bricks cost in the UK in 2024-2025?
UK brick prices in 2024-2025: Common bricks: £250-400 per 1000 (25-40p each). Facing bricks: £400-800 per 1000 (40-80p each). Premium handmade or reclaimed bricks can cost £800-2000+ per 1000. Engineering bricks (Class A/B) cost £500-900 per 1000. Individual purchases from DIY stores cost 50p-£1.50 per brick. Delivery typically adds £50-150.
What is the difference between facing bricks and engineering bricks?
Facing bricks are designed for aesthetic appearance and come in various colours and textures for visible brickwork. Engineering bricks are manufactured for strength and low water absorption. Class A engineering bricks have minimum compressive strength of 125 N/mm² and water absorption below 4.5%. They're used for foundations, manholes, retaining walls, and areas below the DPC where durability matters more than looks.
What bond pattern should I use for a brick wall?
Stretcher bond is most common for modern cavity walls - bricks laid lengthways with joints staggered. English bond alternates rows of stretchers and headers for maximum strength. Flemish bond alternates stretchers and headers in each course for decorative effect. Header bond is used for curved walls. For garden walls, stretcher bond is usually sufficient; for load-bearing walls, consult a structural engineer.
Do I need planning permission to build a brick wall in the UK?
Garden walls under 2 metres height (or 1 metre if adjacent to a highway) usually don't require planning permission under permitted development rights. However, you need planning permission for walls over these heights, walls in conservation areas, walls attached to listed buildings, or walls that would obstruct sight lines at road junctions. All structural walls require Building Regulations approval regardless of planning status.
How long does it take to lay 1000 bricks?
An experienced bricklayer typically lays 400-600 bricks per day for straightforward work, meaning 1000 bricks takes roughly 2 days. Complex work with corners, reveals, or decorative bonds may reduce output to 300-400 per day. DIY bricklayers should expect to lay 100-200 bricks per day when starting out. Factors affecting speed include weather, wall complexity, and mortar preparation time.
Robert Thompson
Master Bricklayer & Construction Manager
Guild of Bricklayers Member | NVQ Level 3 Bricklaying | 28 years experience
Robert has worked on projects ranging from Victorian restorations to modern housing developments across the UK. He specialises in traditional lime mortars, decorative bonds, and heritage brickwork conservation.
Related Construction Calculators
Last updated: December 2025 | Prices verified against Jewson, Travis Perkins, and Wickes. All calculations based on BS 5628 and current UK Building Regulations.
Pro Tips for Accurate Results
- Double-check your input values before calculating
- Use the correct unit format (metric or imperial)
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Understanding Your Results
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- Clear explanations - Understand how results are derived
- 2025/26 updated - Using current rates and regulations
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