Masonry Guide
Masonry estimating links three quantities: units, mortar and wall area. This guide ties them together.
Know the Block
A standard 8-inch CMU block, including mortar joints, covers about 1.125 square feet of wall face. That equals roughly 0.9 blocks per square foot when you include joints.
Blocks ≈ wall area (sq ft) × 0.9Mortar Yield
One 80 lb bag of mortar mixes to roughly 0.7-0.8 cu ft of mortar. A block wall uses a predictable amount per block — your calculator applies the ratio specific to your block and joint size.
Add Openings and Wastage
- Subtract openings over a half block in size.
- Add 5-10% for cut blocks and breakage.
- Extra blocks also let you match color across the job.
Brick and Block Together
Brick veneer on a block wall needs both counts figured separately. Estimate the block wall structure, then the brick cladding on top.
Related Calculators
Disclaimer: Figures on this page are general reference information. Always verify exact requirements with your project specifications and a qualified professional.