Mortar Calculator
Plan every brick, block and bag with confidence. Enter your wall dimensions and we'll estimate the mortar volume, bags, sand, cement and lime instantly, with a live diagram of your build.
Mortar Mix Calculator
Calculate the amount of mortar needed for your masonry project
Live build preview
Brick WallResults
Choose one of the two options below — they are alternative ways to supply the same amount of mortar, not items to be added together.
Option A — Buy Pre-Mixed Bags
Option B — Mix It Yourself
Note: This calculator provides an estimate. Actual materials needed may vary based on site conditions, application methods, and material properties.
How to Use the Mortar Calculator
To use the Mortar Calculator, enter your wall dimensions, pick a unit size and mortar type, then read the bag and material totals from the results panel. The estimate updates as you type, so you can test a thicker joint or a stronger mix without starting over. Every result already rounds up to whole bags, because suppliers do not sell partial bags.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1 Select the project type
Brick Wall, Block Wall, Stone Wall, or Paving/Flagstone.
- 2 Enter the wall dimensions
Length, height and thickness, with the joint thickness set to the 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) standard or a custom value.
- 3 Choose the brick or block size
Pick a preset such as Standard Brick or an 8″ × 8″ × 16″ block, or enter a custom unit.
- 4 Pick the mortar type
Type N, S, M or O, which sets the cement-to-sand ratio.
- 5 Set the waste factor
Start at 10% and raise it for irregular work.
- 6 Read the results
Compare Option A (pre-mixed bags) against Option B (mix it yourself).
Switching Between Imperial and Metric
Switch between imperial and metric with the toggle above the inputs. The imperial mode reads length in feet (ft) and thickness in inches (in) and returns volume in cubic feet (cu ft). The metric mode reads length in meters (m) and thickness in centimeters (cm) and returns volume in cubic meters (m³). Bag counts stay the same in both modes, because a 60 lb (27 kg) bag holds the same mortar whatever units you read it in.
How Much Mortar Do I Need?
A single-wythe brick wall needs about 0.08 cubic feet (2.3 liters) of mortar per square foot of wall face, which works out to one 60 lb (27 kg) bag for every 8 square feet (0.74 m²) of brickwork. Block walls need less per square foot because the units are larger and the joints are fewer. The three quick rules below cover the common ways masons size a mortar order.
Mortar Needed Per 1,000 Bricks
1,000 standard bricks need about 17 bags of 60 lb (27 kg) mortar, or 13 bags of 80 lb (36 kg), laid with 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) joints. To mix the same job by hand, plan on 2 bags of cement, 2 bags of hydrated lime and 8 cubic feet (0.23 m³) of sand.
| Brick Quantity | 60 lb Bags | 80 lb Bags |
|---|---|---|
| 500 bricks | 9 bags | 7 bags |
| 1,000 bricks | 17 bags | 13 bags |
| 1,500 bricks | 26 bags | 19 bags |
Mortar Needed Per 100 Blocks
100 standard 8-inch (203 mm) concrete blocks need about 9 bags of 60 lb (27 kg) mortar, or 7 bags of 80 lb (36 kg), with 3/8-inch joints. A 6-inch (152 mm) block uses a little less, and a 12-inch (305 mm) block uses more, so confirm the block depth before ordering.
| Block Quantity | 60 lb Bags | 80 lb Bags |
|---|---|---|
| 100 blocks | 9 bags | 7 bags |
| 200 blocks | 17 bags | 13 bags |
| 300 blocks | 26 bags | 19 bags |
Mortar Needed Per Square Foot
Mortar per square foot ranges from 0.05 to 0.08 cubic feet (1.4 to 2.3 liters) depending on the unit size and joint width. Brick walls sit at the high end because small units pack in more joints; block walls sit at the low end. Multiply the figure below by your wall face area to get the mortar volume fast.
| Project Type | Mortar per sq ft | 60 lb Bag Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Brick wall (4″ single wythe) | 0.08 cu ft (2.3 L) | ~8 sq ft |
| Block wall (8″) | 0.06 cu ft (1.7 L) | ~11 sq ft |
| Stone wall (irregular) | 0.10 cu ft (2.8 L) | ~6 sq ft |
Bags, Sand, Cement, and Lime Explained
The results panel shows two ways to supply the same mortar, and you pick one. Option A counts pre-mixed bags, where a 60 lb (27 kg) bag yields about 0.66 cubic feet (18.7 liters) of mortar. Option B lists the raw materials for mixing on site: cement in 94 lb (43 kg) bags, hydrated lime in 50 lb (23 kg) bags, and sand in cubic feet or cubic yards. Sand is always the largest material because it forms 6 of the 8 parts in a Type N mix. Cement and hydrated lime are each a small fraction, never larger than the sand.
How the Mortar Calculation Works
The Mortar Calculator works by the volume method, which subtracts the volume of the masonry units from the volume of the whole wall to find the gaps the mortar fills. This approach beats a flat rule of thumb because it accounts for the exact unit size and joint width. The method follows the standard masonry volume approach described in the Wikipedia article on mortar (masonry).
The Mortar Volume Formula
The mortar volume formula finds the wall volume, removes the solid units, then converts the wet volume to a dry one. Work through the steps for a 14′ × 10′ wall at 8″ thickness built from 8″ × 8″ × 16″ blocks with 1″ mortar spacing.
1. Wall volume = 14′ × 10′ × 0.67′ (8″) = 93.24 cu ft
2. Block volume (no mortar) = 0.666′ × 1.33′ × 0.666′ = 0.59 cu ft
3. Block volume (with 1″ mortar) = 0.75′ × 1.42′ × 0.666′ = 0.71 cu ft
4. Number of blocks = 93.24 ÷ 0.71 = 131 blocks
5. Wet mortar = 93.24 − (131 × 0.59) = 93.24 − 77.29 = 15.95 cu ft
6. Dry mortar = 15.95 × 1.33 = 21.21 cu ft (0.60 m³)
Mortar loses about 33% of its volume once water is added, so the wet figure gets multiplied by 1.33 to reach the dry mortar mix you actually buy. At 0.66 cubic feet per 60 lb bag, the 21.21 cubic feet in this example needs 33 bags, rounded up.
Why You Should Add a Waste Factor
Add a waste factor because real sites lose mortar to spillage, dropped board scrapings and broken units. A 10% waste factor suits most brick and block jobs and is the default in the calculator. Raise it to 15% for stone, irregular units or first-time work, and drop it to 5% for clean, repetitive block runs with experienced crews. The factor scales the final totals up, so you order a full job in one trip instead of running short mid-course.
Mortar Estimates by Project Type
Mortar use changes with the project type because unit size and joint count change with it. The calculator adjusts its joint allowance for brick walls, block walls, stone walls and paving, and the notes below show what to expect from each.
Brick Walls
Brick walls use the most mortar per square foot because small units create many joints. A standard brick measures 2¼″ × 3⅝″ × 8″, and a single-wythe wall needs about 0.08 cubic feet (2.3 liters) of mortar per square foot. Modular bricks raise the count further, since you fit more units, and more joints, into the same area.
Block Walls
Block walls use less mortar per square foot because each 8″ × 16″ face covers about 0.89 square feet on its own. A standard wall takes roughly 1.125 blocks per square foot, and 100 blocks need about 9 bags of 60 lb (27 kg) mortar. Concrete blocks come in 4″, 6″, 8″, 10″, 12″, 14″ and 16″ depths, and the 8″ depth drives most estimates.
Stone and Paving Projects
Stone and paving projects need a wider mortar allowance because the joints are irregular. Select Stone Wall for vertical work or Paving/Flagstone for flat work, and the calculator estimates from area and joint depth rather than a fixed unit size. Add a 15% waste factor for stone, since gaps vary from joint to joint and beds rarely sit flat.
Mortar Mix Ratios (Type N, S, M, and O)
Mortar mix ratios set how much cement, lime and sand go into each type, and they decide the wall's strength. The four standard types are Type N, Type S, Type M and Type O, listed by their cement : lime : sand proportions below.
Cement, Sand, and Lime Ratios
The cement-to-sand ratio runs from 1 part cement to 3 parts sand in the strongest mix, up to 1 part cement to 9 parts sand in the softest. Hydrated lime works as a binding agent that raises workability and the longevity of the finished joint. The table pairs each ratio with its compressive strength in pounds per square inch (psi), following the ASTM C270 mortar specification.
| Mortar Type | Cement : Lime : Sand | Compressive Strength | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type O | 1 : 2 : 9 | 350 psi (2.4 MPa) | Interior, non-load-bearing |
| Type N | 1 : 1 : 6 | 750 psi (5.2 MPa) | Above-grade walls, chimneys |
| Type S | 2 : 1 : 9 | 1,800 psi (12.4 MPa) | Foundations, retaining walls |
| Type M | 3 : 1 : 12 | 2,500 psi (17.2 MPa) | Heavy load-bearing, below grade |
Which Mortar Type Should You Use?
Use Type N for general above-grade brickwork and block walls, since its 1:1:6 mix balances strength and workability. Choose Type S for foundations, retaining walls and below-grade work that carries light loads. Pick Type M for the heaviest load-bearing walls and structural repair. Reserve Type O for interior partitions and repointing historic masonry, where a soft mix protects old units from cracking.
How Much Does Mortar Cost?
Mortar costs $7 to $12 per pre-mixed bag in 2026, and a mix-it-yourself batch runs lower per cubic foot once you buy cement, lime and sand separately. Brands such as QUIKRETE, Sakrete and SpecMix sell ready bags at most supply yards, while bulk sand comes from local pits. The two tables below price both routes.
Price Per Bag
| Material | Bag / Unit | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-mixed mortar (60 lb / 27 kg) | per bag | $7 – $10 |
| Pre-mixed mortar (80 lb / 36 kg) | per bag | $8 – $12 |
| Portland cement (94 lb / 43 kg) | per bag | $13 – $16 |
| Hydrated lime (50 lb / 23 kg) | per bag | $11 – $15 |
| Mason sand | per cu yd (0.76 m³) | $35 – $50 |
Estimating Total Material Cost
Estimate the total material cost by multiplying the result quantities by the prices above. A 20′ × 8′ brick wall needs about 22 bags of 60 lb mortar, which costs $154 to $220 the pre-mixed way. Mixing the same wall by hand takes about 2 bags of cement, 2 bags of lime and 11 cubic feet (0.31 m³) of sand, for roughly $80 to $110. Mixing on site saves money on large jobs but adds labor and a mixer rental. For worked examples by project type, see our masonry estimating guides.
Tips for an Accurate Mortar Estimate
- Measure the wall length, height and thickness twice before entering them, since a 1-inch error in thickness shifts the whole volume.
- Match the joint thickness to your real layout, because joints drive a large share of the mortar volume.
- Confirm the exact unit size with the supplier, as a Standard Brick and a Modular Brick give different counts.
- Keep the waste factor at 10% for routine work, and raise it to 15% for stone or irregular units.
- Order pre-mixed bags and raw materials from the same job, never both, since the two options cover the same mortar.
- Buy from one brand and one batch where possible, so color and strength stay even across the wall.
Have a job that does not fit the presets, or spot a number that looks off? Contact us with the wall details and we will help you size the order.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bags of mortar do I need for 1,000 bricks?
You need about 17 bags of 60 lb (27 kg) mortar mix, or 13 bags of 80 lb (36 kg), for 1,000 standard bricks laid with 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) joints. To mix it yourself instead, plan on roughly 2 bags of cement, 2 bags of hydrated lime and 8 cubic feet (0.23 m³) of sand. Smaller modular bricks raise the count because more joints mean more mortar.
How many bags of mortar per 100 blocks?
About 9 bags of 60 lb (27 kg) mortar, or 7 bags of 80 lb (36 kg), cover 100 standard 8-inch (203 mm) concrete blocks set with 3/8-inch joints. The number drops for 6-inch (152 mm) blocks and climbs for taller walls with more bed and head joints.
How much sand and cement do I need for mortar?
For 1 cubic foot (28.3 liters) of Type N mortar at a 1:1:6 ratio, you need 0.125 cubic feet of cement, 0.125 cubic feet of hydrated lime and 0.75 cubic feet of sand. Sand makes up 6 of the 8 parts, so it is always the largest material by volume.
What is the best mortar mix ratio?
Type N at 1 part cement, 1 part lime and 6 parts sand (1:1:6) is the best general-purpose ratio for above-grade walls. Use Type S (2:1:9) for foundations and retaining walls, Type M (3:1:12) for heavy load-bearing work below grade, and Type O (1:2:9) for interior or historic repointing.
How thick should mortar joints be?
Mortar joints should be 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) thick for standard brick and block work. Thinner 1/4-inch (6 mm) joints suit tight modular brick, while 1/2-inch (13 mm) joints suit rough stone. Joint thickness changes the mortar volume directly, so the calculator asks for it.
How long does mortar take to dry and cure?
Mortar sets firm in 24 to 48 hours and reaches full cure strength in 28 days. Keep the wall damp for the first 3 to 7 days in hot or windy weather so the mix hydrates evenly. Avoid laying mortar below 40 °F (4 °C) because cold slows the cure and weakens the bond.
Can I use this calculator for stone or paving?
Yes, select Stone Wall or Paving/Flagstone as the project type and the Mortar Calculator estimates from the area and joint dimensions instead of a fixed unit size. Stone and paving joints vary widely, so add a 15% waste factor for irregular gaps.
How much extra mortar should I order?
Order 10% extra mortar for most jobs to cover spillage, dropped mortar and breakage. Raise the waste factor to 15% for stone, irregular units or first-time work, and lower it to 5% for clean, repetitive block runs with experienced masons.
What is the difference between mortar and concrete?
Mortar binds masonry units together and uses only cement, lime and fine sand, which makes it sticky and workable. Concrete carries structural loads and adds coarse gravel for strength. You cannot pour a footing with mortar, and you cannot bed bricks with concrete.
Why does cement come out less than sand in the calculator?
Cement comes out less than sand because the mix ratio puts far more sand in the blend. In Type N mortar, cement is 1 part out of 8 and sand is 6 parts out of 8, so cement is always about one-sixth of the sand volume. A result showing more cement than sand signals a formula error.