How many bricks are in 1 cubic metre of brickwork?

For IS 1077:1992 modular bricks (190×90×90 mm) with a 10 mm mortar joint, the unit cell volume is 200×100×100 mm = 0.002 m³, giving exactly 500 bricks per cubic metre. For non-modular bricks (230×115×75 mm) with a 10 mm joint, the unit cell is 240×125×85 mm = 0.00255 m³, giving approximately 392 bricks per cubic metre. Both figures are theoretical — add 5–10% for site wastage and cutting.

What is the dry-volume factor for brick mortar?

For mortar (cement + sand mix), loose dry ingredients compact when mixed with water. The accepted Indian site BOQ dry-volume factor is 1.33 — meaning 1.33 m³ of loose dry ingredients yields 1 m³ of placed wet mortar. This is slightly lower than the 1.54 factor used for concrete because mortar has no coarse aggregate. CPWD analysis of rates and standard quantity surveying handbooks consistently cite 1.33 for mortar.

Does the bond pattern (English, Flemish, etc.) affect brick count?

For a simple volumetric BOQ, the bond pattern does not affect the total brick count — the number of bricks is determined by wall volume divided by the unit cell volume (brick + joint), regardless of how bricks are arranged. However, bond pattern affects cutting wastage at corners, openings, and returns: English bond (alternating header and stretcher courses) and Flemish bond (header and stretcher alternating within each course) both generate more corner cuts than running bond. Add 5–10% wastage to account for cutting regardless of bond; add closer to 10–15% for complex bond patterns with many corners.

How much sand and cement is needed per 1000 bricks?

For modular bricks (500/m³) with 1:4 mortar and dry factor 1.33: 1000 bricks = 2 m³ of brickwork; mortar wet volume = 2 × 0.2305 = 0.461 m³; mortar dry = 0.461 × 1.33 = 0.613 m³; cement = ⌈0.613 × 1/5 × 1440 / 50⌉ = 4 bags per 1000 bricks; sand = 0.613 × 4/5 = 0.490 m³ ≈ 784 kg per 1000 bricks. These are theoretical values before wastage.

Does this calculator include plastering or pointing?

No. This calculator covers brickwork (laying) mortar only — the mortar between bricks during construction. External/internal plastering is a separate item measured in m² of wall surface area with a different mortar mix. Pointing (raking and refilling exposed joints) is also measured separately. For general masonry and finish guidance, see Speak Arch construction guides; a dedicated plaster quantity tool is planned in the quantity surveying hub.

Brick Quantity Calculator India

Estimate bricks, cement bags, and sand for masonry walls — IS 1077 modular or non-modular, 10 mm joints, mortar 1:4.

Educational BOQ only. Bond cutting wastage not in volumetric count — use 5–10% wastage chip. Does not include plaster.

How to use this calculator

Enter wall length and height (m or ft).
Choose thickness and brick type.
Set mortar ratio and wastage.
Add door/window deductions if needed.
Calculate for brick count, mortar, cement, and sand.

For plaster on the same walls, use the plaster quantity calculator after masonry BOQ.

Units

Brick type

Mortar ratio (cement:sand)

Wastage

Wall dimensions

Wall length (m) *

Wall height (m) *

Wall thickness *

Deductions — openings (optional)

Description Width (m) Height (m) Qty

Openings are deducted from the gross wall area before volume and brick count.

Cement

—

50 kg bags (rounded up)

—

Sand

—

Mortar volume

—

dry (m³)

—

Per m² of wall — — —

Full breakdown

Item	Value	Unit

Constants & references used

⚠ Educational quantity estimate only

This tool provides indicative brick and mortar material quantities for site planning, procurement estimates, and student learning. It is not a structural design tool and does not account for brick strength class, exposure conditions (IS 2212:2003), reinforcement requirements, or local authority specifications. Brick count is based on IS 1077:1992 modular dimensions (190×90×90 mm) or non-modular (230×115×75 mm). Mortar proportions follow IS 2212:2003 guidance for cement masonry. Verify all quantities with your structural engineer and site supervisor before ordering.

Found a calculation error? Report it here.

Speak Arch is an online-only educational publication based in India. Contact: contact@speakarch.com

Frequently asked questions

What is the standard brick size in India?

IS 1077:1992 specifies the modular brick as 190 × 90 × 90 mm. With a 10 mm joint, the nominal unit is 200 × 100 × 100 mm (0.002 m³), giving exactly 500 bricks/m³. The older non-modular 230 × 115 × 75 mm brick is still common; with a 10 mm joint its unit is 240 × 125 × 85 mm ≈ 392 bricks/m³.

How many bricks are in 1 cubic metre?

Modular (IS 1077): exactly 500 bricks/m³. Non-modular (230×115×75mm): approximately 392 bricks/m³. Both figures are theoretical — add 5–10% for wastage and cutting.

What mortar mix is used for brick masonry in India?

IS 2212:2003 guidance: 1:4 for general protected brickwork and load-bearing walls; 1:5 for partition/filler walls; 1:6 for non-structural work; 1:3 for external or water-exposed masonry. Default here is 1:4.

What is the dry-volume factor 1.33 for mortar?

Loose dry ingredients (cement + sand) compact when mixed with water. 1.33 m³ of dry mix yields ≈ 1 m³ of placed wet mortar. This is the standard Indian site BOQ value cited in CPWD analysis of rates. It is lower than the 1.54 factor for concrete because mortar has no coarse aggregate.

Does bond pattern (English, Flemish) affect brick count?

Not for simple volumetric BOQ — total brick count is determined by V_wall / unit cell volume regardless of bond. However, different bonds generate different cutting wastage at corners and returns. English bond and Flemish bond both produce more corner cuts than running bond. Use 5–10% wastage for standard bonds; 10–15% for complex patterns with many corners.

How much sand and cement per 1000 bricks?

Modular bricks, 1:4 mortar, no wastage: 1000 bricks = 2 m³ brickwork → V_mw = 0.461 m³ → V_md = 0.613 m³ → 4 cement bags → 0.490 m³ sand ≈ 784 kg.

Does this include plastering or pointing?

No. Brickwork (laying) mortar only. Plastering and pointing are separate items measured in m² and use different mixes. See our construction guides for finish-work context; a plaster quantity calculator is planned under quantity surveying tools.