Mortar Calculator
Calculate exactly how many bags of mortar you need for laying bricks, concrete blocks or stone veneer.
Wall Details
Mortar Required
How to Calculate Mortar for a Wall
Calculating the amount of mortar required for a masonry project is largely based on industry-standard coverage rates. The first step is to determine the total square footage of the wall you are building by multiplying the height by the length.
Once you know the area, you can estimate the total number of bricks or blocks needed. For standard modular bricks, multiply the square footage by 7. For standard 8-inch CMU blocks, multiply by 1.125. Finally, divide that total unit count by the yield of a standard mortar bag to find your required inventory.
Standard Mortar Yields
Brick Yield
One 60lb bag of Type N or Type S mortar will lay approximately 35 to 40 standard modular bricks assuming a standard 3/8" mortar joint.
Concrete Block Yield
One 60lb bag of Type S mortar will lay approximately 11 to 13 standard 8x8x16 CMU blocks assuming standard 3/8" head and bed joints.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bricks will a 60 lb bag of mortar lay?
On average, one 60 lb bag of pre-mixed mortar will lay approximately 35 to 40 standard modular bricks with standard 3/8-inch mortar joints.
How many concrete blocks will a 60 lb bag of mortar lay?
One 60 lb bag of pre-mixed mortar will typically lay about 11 to 13 standard 8x8x16 concrete masonry units (CMU blocks).
What type of mortar should I use for brick?
Type N mortar is the standard choice for exterior, above-grade brick walls. It has a medium compressive strength and excellent workability. For below-grade or heavy structural use, Type S mortar is required.
How much mortar do I need for stone veneer?
When installing manufactured stone veneer, you typically need one 60 lb bag of veneer mortar for every 10 to 12 square feet of wall area to cover both the scratch coat and the back-buttering.