About Brickwork Calculation
Brick quantity estimation is a vital step in masonry and building construction. It helps determine the number of bricks, cost, and materials needed for walls, partitions, or structures based on dimensions and brick size. Accurate calculation ensures optimal material usage, reduced waste, and better project budgeting.
Formula to Calculate Number of Bricks
Number of Bricks = Volume of Wall / Volume of One Brick (with mortar)
Example: For a 10m × 3m × 0.23m wall and standard brick 190×90×90mm with 10mm mortar:
Volume of wall = 10 × 3 × 0.23 = 6.9 m³
Volume of one brick (with mortar) = (0.20 × 0.10 × 0.10) = 0.002 m³
→ Number of bricks = 6.9 / 0.002 = 3450 bricks
Add 5% wastage → ≈ 3623 bricks
Step-by-Step Brick Calculation
- Measure the wall’s length, height, and thickness in meters.
- Calculate the total volume of the wall (Length × Height × Thickness).
- Determine the volume of one brick (including mortar joint).
- Divide wall volume by brick volume to get total number of bricks.
- Add 3–5% for breakage, cutting, and wastage.
Typical Brickwork Thickness
- Half Brick Wall = 115 mm (used for partition walls)
- One Brick Wall = 230 mm (used for outer walls)
- One and Half Brick Wall = 345 mm (used for load-bearing walls)
- Two Brick Wall = 460 mm (for heavy structures)
Brick Sizes in India
| Type | Size (mm) | With Mortar (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Brick | 190 × 90 × 90 | 200 × 100 × 100 |
| Modular Brick | 190 × 90 × 90 | 200 × 100 × 100 |
| Handmade Brick | 230 × 110 × 75 | 240 × 120 × 85 |
| Wire-cut Brick | 228 × 107 × 69 | 238 × 117 × 79 |
Mortar Requirement for Brickwork
Mortar is the binding material used between bricks. It usually takes up 25–30% of the total brickwork volume.
- 1:6 Cement Mortar (1 part cement, 6 parts sand) — commonly used for brick walls.
- 1:4 Cement Mortar — used for higher strength masonry.
- Approximate mortar needed: 0.25 × Total brickwork volume.
Brickwork Cost Estimation
You can estimate total brickwork cost by multiplying the total number of bricks by the price per brick and adding mortar cost and labor charges:
Total Cost = (Number of Bricks × Cost per Brick) + Mortar Cost + Labor Cost
Example: 3623 bricks × ₹8 = ₹28,984 + ₹5,000 (mortar & labor) → Total ≈ ₹34,000
Tips for Accurate Estimation
- Always include 3–5% extra bricks for breakage and wastage.
- Mortar volume is typically 25–30% of the total brickwork.
- Ensure wall dimensions exclude plaster thickness.
- Use properly cured bricks for better bonding and strength.
- Store bricks on dry ground to avoid moisture absorption before use.
Brickwork Efficiency & Quality Control
- Use uniform-sized bricks to ensure smooth joints and consistent walls.
- Soak bricks in water for 30 minutes before laying to prevent mortar drying.
- Check alignment using a plumb line and level after every 3–4 courses.
- Maintain 10 mm mortar joints for standard brickwork.
- Regularly cure brickwork for at least 7 days to gain full strength.