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CostNest Calculator

Brick & Mortar Calculator

Calculate the exact number of bricks, cement bags and sand for any wall. Supports Bangladesh standard bricks, UK, US, Indian, and AAC block sizes. Includes door and window deductions and total material cost estimate.

How to Use

  1. 1Select brick type: BD standard, UK, US, Indian, or AAC block.
  2. 2Enter wall dimensions — length and height in feet or metres.
  3. 3Select wall thickness: 4.5 inch, 9 inch, or 13.5 inch.
  4. 4Choose mortar mix ratio: 1:4 (strong), 1:5, or 1:6 (standard).
  5. 5Enter number of doors and windows to deduct their area.
  6. 6Add brick and cement prices for a full cost estimate.

Example Calculation for Brick & Mortar

  • Wall: 20 ft × 10 ft = 200 sqft
  • Less 1 door (3×7 ft): – 21 sqft
  • Net area: 179 sqft · 9-inch wall
  • Bricks (~10.5/sqft): ≈ 1,974 pcs (+5% waste)
  • Cement (1:6 mix): ≈ 8–9 bags (50kg)

Material cost @ ৳15/brick: ≈ ৳ 35,550

How Brick & Mortar Calculator Works

Bricks per sqft depends on brick size, wall thickness, and mortar joint (10–12mm). Mortar volume = wall volume minus brick volume. A dry volume factor of 1.3 accounts for voids in dry sand. Cement bags = mortar volume ÷ mix ratio ÷ 0.035 m³ per bag. Door and window areas are deducted before all calculations.

Brick & Mortar Formulas

Net wall area = (Length × Height) − door areas − window areas
Wall volume = Net area × wall thickness
Brick count = Wall volume ÷ (brick volume + mortar joint volume) × wastage factor
Mortar volume = Wall volume − (brick count × brick volume)
Dry mortar volume = Mortar volume × 1.3 (void factor)
Cement = Dry mortar ÷ (1 + sand ratio) ÷ 0.035 m³/bag
Brick TypeSize (mm)Standard
BD Standard241 × 114 × 70Bangladesh common brick
BD First Class228 × 108 × 69Well-burnt, load bearing
UK Standard215 × 102.5 × 65BS EN 771-1
US Standard194 × 92 × 57ASTM C216
Indian (Modular)190 × 90 × 90IS 1077
AAC Block600 × 200 × 200Lightweight, insulating

Mortar joint standard: 10–12mm. Dry volume factor 1.3 per IS 456 and PWD BD methodology. One 50kg cement bag = 0.035 m³.

Brick & Mortar References & Standards

  1. Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) 2020 — brickwork specifications, mortar mix ratios and wall thickness requirements.
  2. BSTI (Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution) — brick quality classification standards for first and second-class bricks.
  3. IS 1077:1992 (Bureau of Indian Standards) — Common Burnt Clay Building Bricks specification (used as reference for Indian brick size).
  4. PWD Bangladesh Schedule of Rates 2023–24 — brickwork quantities, mortar ratios and material allowances.
  5. BS EN 771-1:2011 — Specification for masonry units (UK standard brick dimensions).

Results are material estimates. Always get on-site measurements confirmed by your mason or site engineer before ordering. Last reviewed: May 2026.

Brickwork Tips for Bangladesh

  • 1Always order 5–10% more bricks than calculated — cutting and breakage are unavoidable on site.
  • 2Use 1st class well-burnt bricks for load-bearing walls; 2nd class is acceptable only for partition walls.
  • 3Wet bricks before laying — dry bricks absorb water from mortar and weaken the bond significantly.
  • 4Use 1:5 or 1:6 mortar for standard walls; 1:4 for areas exposed to heavy rain or below ground level.
  • 5Keep mortar joints consistent at 10–12mm — thicker joints weaken the wall and waste cement.
  • 6In Dhaka, buy bricks from Gazipur or Savar kilns directly for the best price-per-piece rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard brick size in Bangladesh?

The most common Bangladesh standard brick is 9.5 × 4.5 × 2.75 inches (241 × 114 × 70 mm). First-class bricks are well-burnt and slightly smaller at 228 × 108 × 69 mm. This calculator includes both sizes plus global brick standards (UK, US, Indian, AAC blocks).

How many bricks per square foot in Bangladesh?

For a 9-inch (full brick) wall with standard BD bricks and 12mm mortar joints: approximately 10–11 bricks per square foot. For a 4.5-inch (half brick) wall: approximately 5–6 bricks per square foot. This calculator gives exact numbers based on your wall dimensions and brick type.

What mortar mix ratio is standard for brickwork in Bangladesh?

1:6 cement to sand ratio (1 part cement to 6 parts sand) is the most common for general brickwork in Bangladesh. For load-bearing walls or areas with heavy rain exposure, 1:4 or 1:5 is used. For non-structural partition walls, 1:8 is acceptable.

What is the price of bricks in Bangladesh in 2024–25?

First-class bricks in Dhaka: ৳12–18 per piece. Second-class: ৳9–13. Prices vary by location — bricks are cheaper near kilns in Gazipur, Savar, and Narayanganj. Enter your current supplier price for an accurate cost estimate.

What is an AAC block and is it used in Bangladesh?

AAC (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) blocks are lightweight, pre-made blocks used as an alternative to traditional bricks. They offer better thermal insulation, faster construction, and less mortar usage. They are gaining popularity in Bangladesh for commercial and mid-to-high-end residential projects.

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