Mortar Calculator
Your estimate
- Mixed mortar
- 8.87 ft³0.33 yd³ · 0.251 m³
- Cement (own mix)
- 207 lb94 kg
- Sand (own mix)
- 0.46 tons921 lb · 0.42 t
Pre-mixed mortar bags or your own cement and sand — from the number of bricks or blocks you lay.
Updated 2026-10-20 · Based on: standard block, brick and paver sizes with their mortar joints.
How to use the Mortar Calculator
- Type how many bricks or blocks you will lay.
- Choose the unit: brick or 8×16 block.
- Pick a bag size, or a mix ratio if you mix your own.
- Read bags, or cement and sand.
Formula
Mortar per brick = (brick face with joint − brick face) × brick depth. For a modular brick with ⅜ in joints that is about 0.008 ft³.
A cubic foot of mixed mortar uses about 1.3 ft³ of dry cement and sand.
Worked example
With the values preset in the calculator above:
- Number of bricks / blocks
- 1,000
- Laying
- Modular 7⅝ × 2¼ in
- Mortar bag
- 80 lb bags
- Mix (cement : sand)
- 1 : 4
- Extra for waste
- 10 %
- Mortar bags
- 14
- Mixed mortar
- 8.87 ft³ (0.33 yd³)
- Cement (own mix)
- 207 lb (94 kg)
- Sand (own mix)
- 0.46 tons (921 lb)
Frequently asked questions
How many bags of mortar for 1,000 bricks?
About 14 bags of 80 lb mortar mix for 1,000 modular bricks, including 10 % extra.
What is the best mortar mix ratio?
1 part cement to 4 parts sand is a common general mortar; 1:3 for strong work below ground, 1:5 or 1:6 for soft bricks. Type N and S pre-mixes are the US standard.
How many blocks will one bag of mortar lay?
About 30 standard 8×8×16 blocks per 80 lb bag.
More calculators
Estimates only — check quantities with your supplier and local building code before you order.