Bricks & Blocks Calculator
Calculate bricks, sand and cement needed for walls. Accounts for openings and mortar joints.
Last updated: April 2026 · Source: GOV.UK — Building Regulations Approved Document A
Bricks Needed
523
Brick Cost
£261.50
Wall Area
8.4 m²
Sand
378 kg
Cement (25kg bags)
4
Disclaimer
This calculator is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial or tax advice. All calculations are performed locally in your browser — no personal data is collected or sent to our servers. Rates and thresholds are sourced from HMRC and GOV.UK and are updated for the current tax year. Always verify results with HMRC or consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.
How It Works
The number of bricks needed depends on wall area, brick size and bond pattern. Standard UK bricks measure 215 × 102.5 × 65 mm. With a 10 mm mortar joint, you need approximately 60 bricks per square metre for a half-brick wall (single skin) in stretcher bond. A full-brick (one-brick) wall uses about 120 per m².
This calculator takes your wall dimensions, subtracts openings (doors, windows) and applies the correct rate per square metre. It also adds a wastage allowance — typically 5% for straightforward walls and 10% if there is significant cutting (such as around window reveals or corners with Flemish bond).
Enter the wall length, height, and the size of any openings. Choose the bond pattern and wall thickness. The calculator shows total bricks needed, bags of mortar (approximately 1 bag of cement per 35–40 bricks) and estimated cost. For large projects, order a sample panel first to confirm the brick choice and mortar colour.
Example: Garden wall 6 m long × 1.2 m high, half-brick, one door opening 0.9 m × 2 m
- Total wall area: 6 × 1.2 = 7.2 m²
- Less opening: 0.9 × 1.2 (within wall height) = 1.08 m²
- Net area: 6.12 m² × 60 bricks/m² = 367 bricks
- Add 5% wastage: 386 bricks — order 400
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does the Bricks & Blocks Calculator do?
- Calculate bricks, sand and cement needed for walls. Accounts for openings and mortar joints. All calculations are performed in your browser using official UK rates and thresholds.
- Does this include waste allowance?
- Yes. Most building material calculations include a standard 10% waste allowance. You can adjust this figure depending on the complexity of your project and cutting requirements.
- Are prices accurate?
- Material prices are indicative estimates based on average UK prices. Actual costs vary by region, supplier, brand and current market conditions. Always get quotes from local suppliers.