How Many Bricks Per Square Metre? Standard, Maxi & Jumbo
The number of bricks per square metre depends on the brick size and the mortar joint thickness used. Standard bricks, maxi bricks, and jumbo bricks all give different coverage — and getting this number right before ordering prevents both shortfalls and unnecessary surplus.
Bricks per square metre by size
The figures below are for a single-leaf wall (one brick thick) with 10mm mortar joints, which is the standard joint width for most brickwork. Double-leaf or cavity walls require double these quantities.
| Brick type | Brick size (L×W×H) | Per m² (single leaf) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 215×102.5×65mm | ~60 |
| Maxi | 290×140×90mm | ~34 |
| Jumbo | 290×140×140mm | ~23 |
How the calculation works
Each brick occupies a face area equal to its length plus one mortar joint, multiplied by its height plus one mortar joint. For a standard brick with 10mm joints:
(215 + 10) × (65 + 10) = 225 × 75 = 16,875 mm²
One square metre is 1,000,000 mm², so:
1,000,000 ÷ 16,875 ≈ 59.3 → 60 bricks per m²
The same formula applies to any brick size — add 10mm to both the length and height dimensions, multiply them together, then divide 1,000,000 by the result.
Waste allowance
Brick estimates should always include a waste allowance to cover cuts, breakage, and minor measurement variations:
| Wall type | Recommended waste |
|---|---|
| Simple rectangular wall, few openings | 5–10% |
| Multiple openings, corners, or decorative patterns | 10–15% |
One additional consideration: bricks are manufactured in batches, and colour can vary between batches. If you run short and need to reorder, the new batch may not match exactly. Ordering a small surplus is generally preferable to running short.
Pallet quantities
Bricks are typically sold by the pallet. Pallet quantities vary significantly between suppliers and brick types — standard bricks are commonly supplied around 500 per pallet, but this is not universal. Always confirm the pallet quantity with your supplier before calculating how many pallets to order, rather than assuming a standard number.
Putting it together
To get your total brick count: calculate the wall area in square metres, multiply by the bricks-per-m² figure for your brick type, then add your waste percentage and round up to the nearest full pallet. Our brick calculator handles this automatically — enter your wall dimensions and it returns brick count and pallet estimate with adjustable waste.
FAQ
How many bricks do I need per square metre?
For a standard single-leaf wall using standard bricks (215×102.5×65mm) with 10mm mortar joints, you need approximately 60 bricks per square metre. Maxi bricks (290×140×90mm) require around 34 per square metre, and jumbo bricks (290×140×140mm) around 23 per square metre.
What is a maxi brick?
A maxi brick is a larger format brick measuring approximately 290×140×90mm, commonly used in South Africa and some other markets. Because of its larger face area, fewer maxi bricks are needed per square metre compared to standard bricks.
How many bricks are on a pallet?
Pallet quantities vary by brick size and supplier. Standard bricks are typically supplied around 500 per pallet, though this varies. Maxi bricks generally come in smaller pallet quantities. Always confirm with your supplier before ordering.
How much waste should I add to my brick estimate?
Add 5–10% for a straightforward rectangular wall. For walls with many openings, cut bricks around corners, or patterned brickwork, allow 10–15%. It is generally better to order slightly more than needed, as colour and batch matching can be difficult if you need to reorder.