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Mortar Calculator
Estimate bags of mortar mix, plus sand and Portland cement for site-mixed jobs. Bricks, blocks, or stone, with N/S/M/O mix ratios.
Wall and mortar details
Mortar you need
8 bags (80 lb)
- Wall area
- 80 sq ft
- Square meters
- 7.43 sq m
- Mortar volume
- 3.52 cu ft
- Cubic yards
- 0.13 cu yd
- 60 lb bags
- 10
- Portland cement (94 lb bags)
- 1
- Sand weight
- 422 lb
Type N (750 psi): General use above grade. Most common mix for exterior walls and chimneys.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Mortar Calculator
How many bags of mortar do I need per 1,000 bricks?
Roughly 7-8 bags of premixed mortar for standard 8x4 modular bricks with 3/8 in joints. Larger bricks need fewer bags; thinner joints reduce volume. The calculator handles brick size, joint width, and waste so you get a specific count.
Should I buy premixed mortar or mix it from sand and Portland cement?
Premixed bags (Quikrete Mortar Mix, Sakrete Type N, etc.) are convenient and quality-controlled. Mixing from sand and Portland is cheaper at volume and lets you tune ratios. For small jobs, premixed wins. For >50 bags of work, site-mixed wins.
What is the difference between Type N, S, M, and O mortar?
Type N (1:1:6 cement:lime:sand): general above-grade work, the most common. Type S (2:1:9): higher strength, below-grade or load-bearing. Type M (3:1:12): highest strength, foundations and retaining walls. Type O (1:2:9): lowest strength, interior non-load-bearing only. The calculator supports all four ratios.
How much sand do I need with Portland cement?
By volume, Type N uses about 6 parts sand to 1 part Portland (and 1 part lime). A cubic yard of mortar needs roughly 1.4 tons of sand and 7-9 bags of Portland cement, depending on density and waste.
How much waste should I add?
Plan on 10-15% waste for typical brick or block work. More if you are cutting a lot (decorative patterns, curves) or working with inexperienced helpers. The calculator defaults to 10% and lets you bump it.