Concrete & masonry
Mortar Calculator
Estimate whole bags of mortar mix for standard brick, 8-inch block, or adhered stone using published US product yields.
Estimated order quantity
0 bags to buy
- Application
- Waste and rounding
- Coverage is approximate; joint profile, unit geometry, workmanship, loss and product formulation change actual yield.
Planning estimate only. Verify product specifications, site conditions, and supplier purchase increments before ordering.
How the mortar estimate works
Select standard brick, standard 8-inch concrete block, or adhered stone, then enter the number of units or square feet. The calculator scales the published 80 lb bag yield to the selected bag size, adds the visible waste allowance, and rounds up to whole bags.
Bags to buy: round up[quantity × (1 + waste) ÷ effective bag yield]
Mortar bags for brick, block and stone
Current manufacturer data is the best basis for a purchase estimate. QUIKRETE Mortar Mix lists approximately 37 standard bricks or 12 standard 8 × 8 × 16 in blocks per 80 lb bag at a 3/8-inch joint. Sakrete Type S lists 35 standard bricks, 12 standard 8-inch blocks, or 10 ft² of cultured stone per 80 lb bag. The starting values are editable because brand, unit shape, joint dimensions and technique change coverage.
Type N, Type S and Type M mortar
This calculator estimates quantity; it does not select mortar type. Type N, S and M have different strength and exposure uses under ASTM C270. Follow the project specification, applicable code and product instructions, or consult a qualified masonry professional before choosing a mix.
Mortar cost calculator
Enter the local price per bag and the calculator multiplies it by the rounded number of bags to buy. Masonry units, grout, reinforcement, delivery, labor, tools and taxes remain separate.
Worked example
For 1,000 standard bricks, a 10% allowance produces a planning quantity of 1,100 bricks. At 37 bricks per 80 lb bag, the calculation is 29.73 bags, so buy 30 whole 80 lb bags. At $12 per bag, the material estimate is $360.
Before ordering
- Use the yield printed on the exact mortar product selected for the job.
- Confirm mortar type with the plans, code requirements, product manufacturer or qualified masonry professional; quantity alone does not select Type N, S or M.
- Allow for unit absorption, joint width and depth, tooling, waste, weather and crew technique.
- This estimate covers mortar mix only. Masonry units, grout, reinforcement, flashing, ties, cleaning, delivery, labor and taxes are separate.
Technical references: QUIKRETE Mortar Mix data sheet, Sakrete Mortar Mix Type S, ASTM C270, and Brick Industry Association Technical Note 8.
Mortar calculator FAQ
How many bricks will an 80 lb bag of mortar lay?
Published examples are about 35 to 37 standard bricks per 80 lb bag, depending on product. Use the exact manufacturer data sheet and your actual joint dimensions.
How many 8-inch blocks will an 80 lb bag lay?
QUIKRETE and Sakrete publish approximately 12 standard 8 × 8 × 16 in blocks per 80 lb bag under their stated conditions.
Does bag size scale exactly?
The calculator scales yield in proportion to dry bag weight for planning. Confirm the smaller bag yield on the product sheet because formulation and published rounding can differ.
Does this choose the correct mortar type?
No. Mortar type is a design and specification decision. ASTM C270 covers mortar for unit masonry, but project plans, exposure, structural requirements and applicable codes govern selection.