How to Calculate the Number of Bricks Needed Per Square Metre
Our Australian bricks are a versatile, low-maintenance, and energy-efficient building material available in various sizes, colours, and textures. One of the most critical steps in your brick project is accurately determining how many bricks you'll need. Ordering too few can delay your project, while ordering too many can be a waste of money.
Here’s some straightforward steps you can take to help calculate the number of bricks you’ll need per square metre (sq m).
Key Measurements Needed:
To calculate the number of bricks per square metre, you'll need to know:
The length, height, and thickness of the structure (wall or floor) you're covering
The dimensions of the brick (length and height)
The thickness of the mortar
An estimated wastage factor, typically between 5-10%, to account for breakage and accidental damage. It pays to be on the conservative side.
Steps to Calculate Bricks Needed Per Square Metre:
Although there are multiple methods to calculate the number of bricks per square metre, here's a simple approach we like to take:
Measure the Surface Area: First, determine the surface area to be covered in square metres. For instance, if a wall is 5 metres long and 2 metres high, multiply 5 by 2 to get 10 square metres.
Determine Brick Dimensions: Know the dimensions of the bricks you are using. In Australia, the standard Australian brick size is 230mm length, 76mm height, and 110mm width. Custom bricks, like our iconic slender Krause Emperor Bricks, measure 390mm by 110mm by 45mm.
Calculate the Number of Bricks per Square Metre: Use the length and height of the bricks to calculate area coverage. For standard bricks, consider the dimensions 230mm by 76mm. Generally, you need 48 standard bricks per square metre before accounting for cuts, breakage, and wastage.
Example Calculation:
For a wall measuring 5 metres in length and 2 metres in height (totaling 10 square metres), you would multiply this area by the number of bricks per square metre. Using 48 bricks per square metre for standard bricks, you get:
10 square meters x 48 bricks per square meters = 480 bricks for 10 square metres
Accounting for Mortar:
When estimating 48 bricks per square metre, experts include the standard 10mm mortar thickness for clay brick walls. This thickness ensures proper adhesion and stability. Be sure to consider local building codes regarding mortar thickness when planning and ordering materials.
Calculating Brick Quantities for Various Sizes:
Considering 10mm mortar and accounting for wastage, here are the quantities for different brick dimensions:
230mm x 76mm (standard Australian brick size): 48 bricks per square metre
465mm x 45mm: 38 bricks per square metre
290mm x 50mm: 55.5 bricks per square metre
230mm x 50mm: 70 bricks per square metre
380mm x 45mm (Krause Emperor Bricks): 46 bricks per square metre
Applying the Calculation to Your Project:
For any project, whether small or large, determine the area to be covered in square metres and select the appropriate brick size. For example, for a garden footpath or outdoor patio, you typically need 40 bricks per square metre.
For a garden wall 4 metres long and 2 metres high:
Calculate the Area: 4 m x 2 m = 8 square metres
Determine the Brick Quantity: With 48 standard size Australian bricks per square metre: 8 square meters x 48 bricks per square meters = 384 bricks
We hope this guide helps clarify how to calculate the number of bricks you need for your next project. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out via the contact page.