Brick Quantity — Method
Brick counts are estimated per square metre of wall face. A standard 215 x 102.5 x 65 mm brick with 10 mm mortar joints gives about 57 bricks per square metre for a single-leaf (half-brick) wall and about 114 per square metre for a one-brick (double-leaf) wall. Multiply the net wall area (gross area minus door and window openings) by the per-square-metre figure, then add a wastage allowance (around 5%) for cuts and breakage. Mortar volume is roughly 0.02 to 0.05 cubic metres per square metre depending on wall thickness and joint size.
Frequently Asked Questions
For standard UK/metric bricks with 10 mm joints, about 57 per square metre for a half-brick (single-leaf) wall and about 114 per square metre for a one-brick (double-leaf) wall.
Multiply the net wall area (length x height minus openings) by the bricks per square metre for the wall type, then add about 5% for wastage. A 25 m2 half-brick wall is about 25 x 57 x 1.05 = 1500 bricks.
Yes, subtract the area of openings from the gross wall area before applying the per-square-metre figure, otherwise you over-order significantly on walls with large openings.
Around 5% for normal brickwork to cover cuts, breakage and the odd reject; allow more (up to 10%) for complex shapes, lots of cutting or reclaimed bricks.
Yes. The 57/114 figures are for standard bricks. Larger format or metric modular bricks and blocks cover more area each, so recalculate the per-square-metre figure from the actual brick face plus joint.
Estimating Brick Quantities
Estimating brickwork is an area calculation. Because every brick plus its mortar joint occupies a known face area, the number per square metre is fixed for a given brick size and bond, and the job becomes measuring the wall.
The method
Net wall area (minus openings) x bricks per square metre x wastage. Single-leaf walls use about 57/m2, double-leaf about 114/m2 for standard bricks with 10 mm joints.
Mortar and ordering
Mortar is roughly 0.02-0.05 m3 per m2 of wall. Always order a little over the calculated figure for cuts and breakage. For the mortar mix and any concrete, use the concrete calculator.
Related: Concrete Mix, Paint Quantity.