Short answer: About 6.75 modular bricks cover one square foot of wall, joints included. Utility bricks need about 3 per square foot, and standard 8 by 16 inch concrete blocks need about 1.125.
| Wall area | Modular bricks, no waste | Modular bricks, 5% extra | Concrete blocks, 5% extra |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 sq ft | 338 | 355 | 60 |
| 100 sq ft | 675 | 709 | 119 |
| 200 sq ft | 1,350 | 1,418 | 237 |
| 500 sq ft | 3,375 | 3,544 | 591 |
Where 6.75 comes from
A modular brick is about 8 inches long and 2 and two-thirds inches high once a mortar joint is included. That gives a face area of about 21.33 square inches. A square foot has 144 square inches, and 144 divided by 21.33 is 6.75.
Utility bricks are larger, at about 12 inches by 4 inches with the joint, so only 3 are needed per square foot. A standard concrete block face is 16 by 8 inches with the joint, or 128 square inches, which is 1.125 blocks per square foot.
How to count the bricks for your wall
Multiply the wall length by the height to get the area, subtract doors and windows, then multiply by 6.75. Add 5% for cuts and breakage, and round up. For a double-thickness wall, double the result.
Worked example
A wall 12 ft long and 8 ft high covers 96 sq ft. At 6.75 bricks per square foot that is 648 bricks. Adding 5% gives 680.4, so order 681 bricks.
Use the Brick and Block CalculatorEnter your own measurements and get an exact amount.
Frequently asked questions
Does 6.75 bricks per square foot include mortar?
Yes. The figure assumes a normal mortar joint, about three-eighths of an inch, between the bricks.
How many bricks do I need for 1,000 square feet?
About 6,750 modular bricks with no waste, or 7,088 with a 5% allowance for cuts and breakage.
How many bricks do I need for a double wall?
Work out one layer and multiply it by two. The calculator counts a single layer.
Related calculators
Figures are typical planning values. Material sizes, densities and local requirements vary, so confirm with your supplier before ordering.
Last updated October 11, 2026.