Modular Brick Calculator — Standard 7-5/8 Brick
Estimate modular brick (7-5/8 × 2-1/4 × 3-5/8 inch) for any wall — the standard residential face brick in the U.S. Returns brick count and mortar bags.
Enter Dimensions
Standard is 3/8 in (0.375)
Results
Bricks Needed
1,207bricks
Mortar Bags (60 lb)
35bags
Type S mortar, ~35 bricks/bag
Wall Area
160sq ft
Bricks per Sq Ft
6.86bricks/sq ft
Editorial Standards
Each calculator is reviewed for formula accuracy, unit consistency, and alignment with current U.S. building practices before publication. We verify outputs against published engineering references and real-world project data. Learn more about our methodology.
Modular brick is the U.S. residential default — the 6.86 bricks/sq ft factor you'll use on 80% of brick estimates. "Modular" refers to its dimensional coordination: 3 courses of brick + 3 mortar joints = 8 inches in height, aligning the masonry to standard 4-inch / 8-inch dimensional modules used throughout residential construction.
This calculator uses modular dimensions exclusively. For other sizes (King, Queen, Norman, Engineer), use the parent Brick Calculator and adjust the per-square-foot factor.
How to Estimate Modular Brick
Bricks = Wall Area × 6.86 × (1 + waste %). Mortar = ⌈Brick Count ÷ 30⌉ × 60 lb bags (Type N).
Modular Brick Reference
- Actual size: 7-5/8 × 2-1/4 × 3-5/8 in
- Nominal size (with joint): 8 × 2-2/3 × 4 in
- Coverage: 6.86 bricks per sq ft
- Weight: ~4.5 lb per brick
- Courses per 8 ft height: 36 courses (each = 2-5/8″)
- Standard cube: 500 bricks per pallet
- Cube weight: ~2,300 lb
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a modular brick?
Modular brick is the U.S. standard residential face brick: actual dimensions 7-5/8 × 2-1/4 × 3-5/8 inches (nominal 8 × 2-2/3 × 4 inches including mortar joints). Three brick courses + three mortar joints = 8 inches in height — the 'modular' dimension that aligns with masonry layout standards.
How many modular bricks per square foot?
6.86 modular bricks per square foot. Effective face = (7.625 + 0.375) × (2.25 + 0.375) = 8 × 2.625 = 21 sq in. 144 ÷ 21 = 6.86 bricks per sq ft.
How tall is 12 courses of modular brick?
Modular brick + 3/8 inch mortar joint = 2-5/8 inch per course in height. 12 courses = 31.5 inches. For exactly 8 ft (96 inches) of wall: 36 courses + 1 base mortar joint.
Are all face bricks modular?
No — modular is just one size category. Other common sizes: Queen-size (7-5/8 × 2-3/4), King-size (9-5/8 × 2-3/4), Norman (11-5/8 × 2-1/4), and Engineer modular (7-5/8 × 2-13/16). Always confirm with your supplier before ordering.
Why use modular instead of larger brick?
Modular is the cheapest brick per piece, has the widest color/texture selection, and matches existing residential masonry. Larger bricks (King, Norman) reduce mortar cost and labor time but are 30-50% more expensive per piece.
Looking for the general calculator?
Calculate bricks and mortar bags for walls, patios, and masonry projects. Supports standard modular, queen, and Norman bricks with adjustable mortar joint size.
Open the Brick Calculator: Bricks & Mortar Bags →