Brick Calculator
Calculate the number of bricks needed for your wall. Supports Australian standard and modular brick sizes with mortar joint thickness and wastage allowance.
Wall Dimensions
Openings
Brick Size
Mortar, Bond Pattern & Wastage
How to Use This Brick Calculator
- Enter your wall length and height in metres. For multiple walls, calculate each separately or enter the total combined length.
- Specify the number of standard door and window openings, or enter a custom opening area in square metres for non-standard sizes.
- Select your brick size: Standard Australian (230 x 110 x 76mm), Modular (290 x 90 x 90mm), or enter custom dimensions.
- Adjust the mortar joint thickness if different from the standard 10mm. Select your bond pattern (stretcher or header).
- Set your wastage percentage (5% is typical for standard walls). The results panel updates in real time with total bricks needed and mortar bag estimates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many bricks per square metre?
For standard Australian bricks (230 x 110 x 76mm) with 10mm mortar joints laid in a stretcher bond, you need approximately 50 bricks per square metre. This is calculated as 1,000,000 / ((230 + 10) x (76 + 10)) = 48.4 bricks per m², which rounds to approximately 50 when accounting for minor wastage and cutting.
What is standard mortar joint thickness in Australia?
The standard mortar joint thickness in Australia is 10mm for both horizontal (bed) joints and vertical (perpend) joints. This is specified in AS 3700 - Masonry Structures. Consistent 10mm joints are important for structural integrity and achieving a uniform, professional appearance in brickwork. Thinner joints may compromise bond strength, while thicker joints can increase material costs and drying time.
How much wastage should I allow for bricks?
A standard wastage allowance is 5% for straightforward walls with minimal cuts. For more complex patterns, curved walls, or projects requiring many cut bricks, allow 7-10% wastage. Some builders recommend up to 10-15% for intricate designs, feature walls, or when using recycled bricks that may have higher breakage rates. It is always better to over-order slightly, as matching bricks from a different batch can result in colour variation.
What are standard brick sizes in Australia?
The most common brick size in Australia is the standard brick at 230mm long x 110mm wide x 76mm high. Modular bricks measure 290mm x 90mm x 90mm. These dimensions are specified in AS/NZS 4455 - Masonry Units, Pavers, Flags and Segmental Retaining Wall Units. The standard 230 x 110 x 76mm size has been the dominant brick format in Australian residential and commercial construction for decades and is the most readily available from suppliers nationwide.
Brickwork in Australian Construction
Brickwork has been a cornerstone of Australian construction since the early days of European settlement. Today, clay bricks remain one of the most popular cladding and structural materials for residential and commercial buildings across the country. The standard Australian brick (230 x 110 x 76mm) is manufactured to comply with AS/NZS 4455, which specifies requirements for dimensions, strength, durability, and salt attack resistance. Australian bricks are graded for exposure conditions, with Exposure Grade bricks required for areas subject to weathering, and General Purpose bricks suitable for protected or internal applications.
Mortar plays a critical role in brickwork performance. In Australia, mortar is typically classified according to AS 3700 - Masonry Structures, with M2, M3, and M4 being the most common mix designations for residential construction. M3 (1 part cement to 1 part lime to 6 parts sand) is the standard mix for most above-ground brickwork. The standard 10mm joint thickness applies to both bed (horizontal) and perpend (vertical) joints, and achieving consistent joints is essential for both the structural performance and visual quality of the finished wall. Mortar should be mixed to a workable consistency and used within approximately one hour of mixing to ensure proper bonding.
Bond patterns determine both the aesthetic appearance and structural behaviour of a brick wall. Stretcher bond, where bricks are laid lengthwise with each course offset by half a brick, is the most common pattern in Australia for single-skin walls and cavity wall construction. Header bond, where bricks are laid end-on, creates a different visual effect and is used in some decorative applications. Other patterns such as Flemish bond, English bond, and stack bond are used in feature walls and heritage restoration work. When estimating materials, the bond pattern directly affects the number of bricks per square metre and the amount of cutting required, which in turn influences the wastage allowance you should factor into your order.