How many bricks do I need?
Enter the wall area and we'll work out the number of bricks (or blocks) and the cost — using the standard 60 bricks per m² for single-skin walls, with the calculation shown. Switch the material to compare blocks, mortar and more.
60 bricks per m² (single skin).
| Facing brick (single skin) | 630 bricks | £410 |
- 1Wall area: 10 m²
- 2Usage rate: 60 bricks per m² (single skin)
- 3Allowing for waste: 10 × 60 × 1.05 waste = 630 brick
- 4Quantity: 630 bricks @ £0.65 each
- Material cost only — labour is estimated separately in the schedule.
- Indicative trade-counter price; confirm with a current supplier quote.
How to work out brick quantities
- 1Measure the wall area
Length × height of the wall, minus any openings. A 5 m × 2.4 m wall is 12 m².
- 2Multiply by 60 per m²
A single-skin (half-brick) wall uses about 60 standard bricks per square metre. A double-skin (one-brick) wall is roughly 120 per m².
- 3Add ~5% for waste
Allow around 5% for breakages and cuts — more for intricate work or reclaimed bricks.
- 4Don't forget mortar
Roughly one 25 kg bag of cement plus sand makes mortar for about 1,000 bricks at a 1:5 mix. Switch the calculator to cement/sand to estimate it.
The 60-bricks-per-square-metre rule is one of the most useful numbers in construction, and it rarely changes because UK brick dimensions are standardised. Knowing it lets you sense-check a merchant's order or a builder's material list in seconds — and the calculator extends the same transparency to blocks, mortar and the rest of the materials a build needs.
Bricks & blocks per square metre
| Wall type | Units per m² | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single skin (half brick) | ~60 bricks | Most garden walls, single-skin extensions |
| Double skin (one brick) | ~120 bricks | Solid one-brick walls |
| 100mm concrete block | ~10 blocks | Inner leaf / partitions |
| Mortar (1:5 mix) | ~1 cement bag / 1,000 bricks | Plus building sand |
Add ~5% waste. Indicative — confirm with quotes.
Frequently asked questions
How many bricks are in a square metre?+
About 60 standard UK bricks (215 × 102.5 × 65 mm with a 10 mm joint) per square metre for a single-skin wall, before waste. Double the figure to ~120 for a solid one-brick wall.
How many bricks do I need for an extension?+
Measure the wall area of each elevation, subtract the openings, then multiply by 60 (single skin) or 120 (double skin) and add ~5% waste. The calculator does this and adds the cost.
How much mortar do I need for bricklaying?+
As a rule of thumb, one 25 kg bag of cement (with sand at roughly 1:5) lays about 1,000 bricks. Switch the material dropdown to cement or sand to estimate the mortar.
How many blocks are in a square metre?+
About 10 standard 100mm concrete blocks (440 × 215 mm) per square metre, before waste — used for inner leaves and partitions.
Related tools & guides
Cost figures shown are indicative estimates, not quotations. You are responsible for verifying all costs (obtain contractor quotes) and any figures submitted to a lender. ScopeWise is a documentation tool, not financial, tax, structural or planning advice. HMO compliance prompts are guidance only — confirm requirements with your local council, as standards and licensing vary by authority.