Formula
The bed joint runs the brick length plus one head joint. The head joint uses the brick height, so the corner is not counted twice:
cubic feet = bricks × (bed + head) / 1728
Bed and head are in cubic inches. 1,728 converts them to cubic feet. The brick depth is 3.625 inches and the joint is 0.375 inches.
Assumptions
- The bricks are modular and one wythe deep.
- Joints are 3/8 inch and completely filled.
- No extra is added for waste.
Worked example
1,000 modular bricks need 8.06 ft³ of mortar.
Input definitions
- Bed joint
- The horizontal joint under the brick.
- Head joint
- The vertical joint between bricks.
Limitations
Concrete block joints, furrowing, and dropped mortar are not included. Cement bags are a separate page.
Questions
Why is the head joint only the brick height?
The bed joint already occupies the 3/8 inch band at the corner. Adding that band again would count the same mortar twice.
Does this order masonry cement?
No. Enter the cubic feet on the cement page if you want 70-pound bags.