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
Want to know how these figures are calculated? See our cost methodology.
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.