Mortar Calculator

Estimate the amount of mortar needed for a masonry wall.

Mason ReidFounder and Lead Estimator at MeasureThen

Last updated 2026-08-21

What Is a Mortar Calculator?

A mortar calculator tells you how much mortar mix you need to lay a set number of bricks or blocks. It converts the brick count into cubic feet and then into bags of pre-mixed mortar. This keeps you from running out of mortar mid-wall or buying several bags you never open.

How It Works

Mortar (ft³) = (Bricks ÷ 1000) × 27 × (Joint ÷ 0.375). 60 lb bag ≈ 0.5 cu ft.

Example

For 1,000 bricks at 3/8 in joints: 27 cu ft = 1 cubic yard → 54 × 60 lb bags.

How to Calculate

Count or estimate the number of bricks you will lay. A 160 square foot wall needs about 1,098 bricks.
Set the mortar joint thickness. The default of 3/8 inch matches standard brick estimates.
The tool uses roughly 27 cubic feet of mortar per 1,000 bricks at a 3/8 inch joint, which is exactly 1 cubic yard.
A 60 lb bag of mortar mix yields about 0.5 cubic feet, so 1,098 bricks need roughly 54 to 59 bags.
Round up to full bags and add a little for waste on a big job.

Mortar Yield and Brick Coverage

Bag Size	Wet Mortar Yield (cu ft)	Bricks Laid per Bag
40 lb	0.33	13 to 14
60 lb	0.50	18 to 20
80 lb	0.67	24 to 26
94 lb (Type S)	0.78	28 to 30

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

How much mortar does a batch make?

A 60 lb bag of mortar mix yields about 0.5 cu ft of wet mortar.

How many bricks does a bag lay?

Roughly 18–20 bricks per 60 lb bag at standard 3/8 in joints.

Why scale by joint thickness?

Thicker joints consume more mortar per brick, so the volume grows in proportion.

Mason ReidFounder and Lead Estimator at MeasureThen

Mason Reid founded MeasureThen after two decades of hands-on work in construction and estimating. Across residential and light commercial projects, he sized concrete pours, framed walls, hung drywall, and priced out roofing, fencing, and deck work — learning the exact math that every job depends on. At MeasureThen he writes the formulas, checks every calculator against real-world assumptions, and makes sure each one is simple enough for a homeowner to trust and a contractor to use. When he is not measuring twice, he is helping projects stay on budget.

Every MeasureThen calculator uses simple, transparent formulas and standard industry assumptions drawn from common construction practice. We show the math behind each result and include worked examples so you can follow along and double-check the numbers. Results are estimates: materials, labor, and pricing vary by region and market, so always confirm important figures with a licensed professional and your local building codes.