Mortar Calculator

For standard modular brick with 3/8 in joints, you need 28 80 lb bags before waste because 1,000 divided by the published coverage of up to 37 bricks per bag rounds up. The equivalent 60 lb count is 36 bags at up to 28 bricks per bag. Larger bricks can need fewer bags, and thicker joints or waste increase the count. Check the product label before ordering.

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.

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.

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.

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.