Brick Calculator — Free Online Tool
Calculate the exact number of bricks, cement bags, sand, and mortar volume for any wall size. Supports all standard brick sizes, mortar ratios, and wastage factors.
Brick Calculator
Bricks · Cement Bags · Sand · Mortar Volume · Cost Estimate
Calculation Results
CalculatedHow to Calculate Bricks — Step-by-Step Formula
The brick calculation follows a standard process used by quantity surveyors and engineers across Pakistan. Here is the complete formula with every step explained clearly.
Calculate Wall Area
Wall Area = Length × Height. Subtract the area of any doors, windows, or other openings. The result is the net area to be bricked.
Count Bricks per Square Foot
For a standard 9"×4.5"×3" Pakistan brick with 0.5" mortar joint: 13.5 bricks per sq ft for a 9" thick wall. For a 4.5" single brick wall: 6.75 bricks/sqft.
Calculate Mortar Volume
Mortar occupies approximately 30% of total wall volume. Mortar Volume = Wall Volume × 0.30. Then apply a dry volume factor of 1.30 (mortar shrinks when it dries).
Calculate Cement and Sand
Split the dry mortar volume using the mix ratio. For 1:5 ratio: Cement = (1/6) × Dry Volume × 1440 kg/m³ ÷ 50 bags. Sand = (5/6) × Dry Volume × 35.3147 cft/m³.
Add Wastage Factor
Always add 5–10% wastage to total bricks for breakage, cutting, and site wastage. For corners and curves, use 10–15%.
Standard Brick Sizes — Pakistan, India & International
Brick sizes vary by region and project type. Always confirm with your local supplier before ordering. The brick size directly affects how many bricks per square foot you need.
| Brick Type | Length × Width × Height | Bricks/sq ft (9" wall) | Where Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan Standard | 9" × 4.5" × 3" | 13.5 | Pakistan — most common |
| Modular (US) | 7.625" × 3.625" × 2.25" | ~15 | USA, some Gulf projects |
| Queen Size | 9.625" × 4.625" × 2.75" | ~12 | Commercial projects |
| Indian Standard | 9" × 4.33" × 2.95" | ~13 | India, Bangladesh |
| Engineering Brick | 9" × 4.5" × 3" (dense) | 13.5 | Retaining walls, sewers |
| Fire Brick | 9" × 4.5" × 2.5" | ~16 | Furnaces, kilns |
Mortar Mix Ratios — Which to Use?
The mortar mix ratio (Cement : Sand) determines the strength and application of the mortar. Stronger mixes use more cement but cost more. Here is when to use each ratio:
| Mix Ratio | Strength | Cement/m³ Mortar | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:3 (Rich Mix) | Very Strong | ~480 kg | Below DPC, water tanks, retaining walls |
| 1:4 | Strong | ~360 kg | External walls, exposed brickwork |
| 1:5 (Standard) | Medium | ~290 kg | General internal and external walls |
| 1:6 | Economy | ~240 kg | Internal partition walls, non-load bearing |
| 1:8 (Lean Mix) | Weak | ~180 kg | Backing mortar, rough filling |
Brick Prices in Pakistan — Market Rates 2025
Brick prices vary by city, kiln type, quality grade, and quantity ordered. These are approximate market rates as of 2025. Always get quotes from 2–3 local suppliers before ordering.
| City / Region | First Class Brick | Second Class | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lahore | PKR 18–22 per brick | PKR 14–17 | Includes delivery within 20km |
| Karachi | PKR 20–25 per brick | PKR 15–18 | Higher due to transport from kilns |
| Islamabad / Rawalpindi | PKR 17–21 per brick | PKR 13–16 | Murree Road kilns nearby |
| Faisalabad | PKR 15–19 per brick | PKR 11–14 | Many local kilns, competitive pricing |
| Multan / Bahawalpur | PKR 13–17 per brick | PKR 10–13 | Lowest prices, many kilns |
| Peshawar / KPK | PKR 16–20 per brick | PKR 12–15 | Stone construction also common |
Cement Prices — Pakistan 2025
| Brand | Price per 50kg Bag | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| DG Khan Cement | PKR 1,250–1,400 | OPC 43/53 |
| Lucky Cement | PKR 1,200–1,380 | OPC 43/53 |
| Bestway Cement | PKR 1,200–1,350 | OPC 43 |
| Maple Leaf Cement | PKR 1,180–1,320 | OPC 43 |
| Cherat Cement | PKR 1,150–1,300 | OPC 43 |
Worked Example — Boundary Wall Calculation
Problem: Calculate materials for a 40ft long × 8ft high boundary wall, 9" thick, with 1:5 mortar, 5% wastage, and one gate opening of 10ft × 7ft.
Expert Tips & Common Mistakes in Brick Work
Top Tips from Pakistani Contractors
- Always wet bricks before laying — dry bricks absorb water from mortar and weaken joints
- Never mix cement and sand without adding water gradually — lumps reduce strength by 20%
- Use a spirit level and string line for every 3 courses to maintain straight, level walls
- Order 7–10% more bricks than calculated — cutting, breakage, and site waste is always higher than expected
- Allow freshly laid brickwork to cure for 7 days (water daily) before applying heavy loads
- Use 1:4 mortar for the bottom 3 courses of any wall (just above DPC) for moisture resistance
Quality Check — First Class vs Second Class Bricks
- First Class: Uniform red/orange color, sharp edges, ringing sound when struck, water absorption <15%, no cracks
- Second Class: Slightly irregular, minor surface cracks acceptable, water absorption 15–20%
- Reject: Black core, powdery surface, dull thud when struck, visible lime nodules (explosive when wet)
