Brick Calculator – Calculate Number of Bricks for Walls, Columns, Foundations

Brick masonry is a popular construction technique used for walls, columns, foundations, and various other structures. One of the key aspects of planning such projects is determining the number of bricks required. To simplify this process, a brick calculator comes in handy.

In this article, we will explore how to calculate the number of bricks needed using a brick calculator and discuss the standard sizes of bricks in different regions.

A. Standard Sizes of Bricks:

Before we delve into the calculation process, let’s familiarize ourselves with the standard sizes of bricks commonly used in India and the United States. In India, bricks typically measure 190mm x 90mm x 90mm, while in the United States, they are usually 7.5 inches x 3.5 inches x 3.5 inches, excluding mortar. In the brick calculator, you can input the dimensions of your bricks to obtain accurate calculations.

B. Brick Calculator:

The brick calculator simplifies the process of determining the number of bricks required for your masonry project. It takes into account the thickness of the mortar used, which is generally 10mm for the metric system and 1/2 inch for the United States standard feet system.

C. Results of Brick Calculator:

Using the brick calculator, you can obtain the following results:

• Volume of Brick Masonry: This represents the total volume of brick masonry required for your project.
• Number of Bricks Required: This indicates the exact number of bricks needed for your construction.
• Volume of Mortar Required: This value represents the volume of mortar necessary for your masonry work.

Note: The thickness of the mortar considered is 10mm for the metric system and 1/2 inch for the United States standard feet system.

D. How to Calculate Number of Bricks for Masonry Works:

Brick masonry construction involves using mortar as the binding material for bricks. Typically, the volume of mortar used in masonry works ranges from 25% to 30% of the total brick masonry volume. The thickness of mortar in brickwork is usually assumed to be 10mm or 1/2 inch. With the inclusion of mortar thickness, the size of a brick becomes 200mm x 100mm x 100mm (8 inches x 4 inches x 4 inches), which is known as the nominal size of the modular brick. When calculating the number of bricks required, the thickness of plaster should be deducted from the thickness of the masonry construction. For instance, for a brick wall with a thickness of 230mm, the actual thickness without plaster would be 200mm, equivalent to one brick’s thickness.

E. Number of Bricks for Masonry Wall:

Let’s explore the calculation process for a masonry wall in both the metric system and the United States standard feet system.

1. In the Metric System: Consider a wall with dimensions of 5m length, 4m height, and 200mm thickness.

• Volume of Brick Masonry in Wall = 5m x 4m x 0.2m = 4m³
• Volume of One Brick with Mortar = 0.2m x 0.1m x 0.1m = 0.002m³
• Number of Bricks = [Volume of Brick Masonry / Volume of One Brick] = 4m³ / 0.002m³ = 2000 bricks Hence, the number of bricks required per cubic meter is 500.

2. In the United States Standard Feet System: Consider a wall with dimensions of 15 feet length, 10 feet height, and 8-inch thickness.

• Volume of Brick Masonry in Wall = 15ft x 10ft x 8/12ft = 100 cubic feet = 3.704 cubic yards
• Volume of One Brick with Mortar = 8in x 4in x 4in = 128 cubic inches = 0.074074 cubic feet
• Number of Bricks = [Volume of Brick Masonry / Volume of One Brick] = 100 cubic feet / 0.074074 cubic feet = 1350 bricks Hence, the number of bricks required per cubic foot is 13.50, and the number of bricks required per cubic yard is 365.

 

Using a brick calculator simplifies the process of determining the number of bricks required for masonry projects. By considering the standard sizes of bricks and the thickness of mortar, accurate calculations can be made for walls, columns, foundations, and other structures.

Whether you are working with the metric system or the United States standard feet system, this tool proves to be invaluable in planning your brickwork.