How Many Bricks Per Square Foot?
Standard US bricks (3⅝" × 2¼" × 7⅝") with ⅜" mortar joints cover approximately 7.5 bricks per square foot in a single wythe (one brick thick) wall. Different sizes yield different coverage:
| Brick Type | Dimensions | Per sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 3⅝" × 2¼" × 7⅝" | 7.5 |
| Modular | 3⅝" × 2¼" × 7⅝" | 6.75 |
| Queen | 3⅛" × 2¾" × 9⅝" | 5.76 |
| Paver (flat) | 4" × 8" × 2¼" | 4.5 |
Mortar Estimation
A 60-lb bag of mortar mix covers approximately 12–15 square feet of single-wythe wall. Always add 10% extra for waste and thick spots. Pre-mixed mortar bags are easiest for smaller projects; bulk mortar is more economical for large walls. Use our free brick calculator above to estimate both brick count and mortar bags in one step.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bricks do I need for a 10×10 patio?+
A 10×10 patio is 100 sq ft. Using standard brick pavers at 4.5 bricks per sq ft, you need approximately 450 bricks. Add 10% for cuts and waste, bringing the total to about 495 bricks.
How many bricks per square foot for a wall?+
Standard US bricks (7⅝″ × 3⅝″ × 2¼″) with ⅜-inch mortar joints cover approximately 7.5 bricks per square foot in a single wythe (one brick thick) wall. Modular bricks cover about 6.75 per sq ft.
How much mortar do I need for brickwork?+
One 60-lb bag of mortar mix covers approximately 12–15 sq ft of single-wythe brickwork. A simple rule: you need about 1 bag of mortar for every 15–20 bricks when using ⅜-inch joints.
How long does it take mortar to dry?+
Mortar typically reaches initial set in 24 hours and full cure in 28 days. You can usually continue building within 24–48 hours. Avoid loading freshly laid masonry and protect from rain and freezing temperatures during curing.