Mortar for Brick Calculator

Mortar Volume Formula:

\[ M = \frac{A \times T \times R}{Y} \]

Wall Area:

ft²

Mortar Thickness:

inches

Mortar Ratio:

Yield per Bag:

ft³/bag

Mortar Volume (bags):

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is a Mortar for Brick Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the volume of mortar needed for brickwork based on wall area, mortar thickness, ratio, and yield per bag.

Purpose: It helps masons and DIYers determine how much mortar is required for bricklaying projects.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ M = \frac{A \times T \times R}{Y} \]

Where:

\( M \) — Mortar volume (number of bags)
\( A \) — Wall area (square feet)
\( T \) — Mortar thickness (inches)
\( R \) — Mortar ratio (unitless)
\( Y \) — Yield per bag (cubic feet per bag)

Explanation: The wall area is multiplied by mortar thickness (converted to feet) and ratio, then divided by the yield per bag to get the number of bags needed.

3. Importance of Mortar Calculation

Details: Accurate mortar estimation ensures proper bonding of bricks, structural integrity, and cost-effective material purchasing.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the wall area in ft², mortar thickness (default 0.375 inches), mortar ratio (default 1), and yield per bag (default 0.3 ft³/bag). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical mortar thickness for brickwork?
A: Standard mortar joints are typically 3/8" (0.375") to 1/2" (0.5") thick.

Q2: What does the mortar ratio represent?
A: The ratio represents the proportion of cement to sand (e.g., 1:3 would mean 1 part cement to 3 parts sand).

Q3: What's the standard yield per bag?
A: A standard 80 lb bag of mortar mix yields about 0.3 cubic feet when mixed.

Q4: How do I calculate wall area?
A: Multiply the length by height of the wall in feet to get area in square feet.

Q5: Does this include waste or overage?
A: No, consider adding 5-10% to the calculated volume for project contingencies.