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How Many Bags of Mortar Do You Need?

Enter your brick or block count — get mortar bags needed, plus Type N/S guide.

Last updated: April 26, 2026

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Don't know brick count? Use our Brick Calculator first.

Most common U.S. face brick

Wider joints need more mortar per unit.

Quick tip: Add 10% extra bags for waste, spillage, and bad mixes. Pre-mix is easier for jobs under 50 bags.

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Mortar Needed

Mortar Bags
14 bags
80 lb bags (Type N or Type S)
Total Weight
1120 lbs
Bricks per Bag
~36

Estimate based on 3/8" joint. Actual coverage varies by brand and joint depth — check manufacturer data before ordering.

Worked Examples

Garden Wall

500 modular bricks · 3/8" joint · 80 lb bags

14 bags of mortar

Garage Wall

1000 modular bricks · 3/8" joint · 80 lb bags

28 bags of mortar

Block Wall

200 8" blocks · 3/8" joint · 80 lb bags

17 bags of mortar

Mortar Yield Guide

Unit Type80 lb Bag60 lb Bag
Modular Brick36 bricks27 bricks
Queen Brick30 bricks22 bricks
King Brick26 bricks19 bricks
Utility Brick22 bricks16 bricks
8" Block12 blocks9 blocks

Yields based on standard 3/8" mortar joint. Wider joints reduce yield by 10-25%.

Mortar Type Guide

TypeBest UseStrength
Type NGeneral exterior walls, above-grade750 psi
Type SLoad-bearing, below-grade, foundations1,800 psi
Type MHigh-stress, heavy load2,500 psi
Type OInterior, non-load-bearing350 psi

Type N is most common for residential brick walls. Type S for structural or below-grade work.

Frequently Asked Questions

About 26-28 bags of 80 lb mortar mix for 1000 modular bricks with standard 3/8" joints. If you use larger bricks like Utility, you'll need about 46 bags because larger bricks create more joint volume per brick.
A 80 lb bag of pre-mix mortar typically yields 35-40 modular bricks with 3/8" joints. Larger bricks like Utility yield about 22 bricks per bag. A 60 lb bag covers about 75% of that — roughly 27 modular bricks.
Type N is for general exterior walls, above-grade masonry, and non-load-bearing applications (750 psi strength). Type S is stronger (1,800 psi) and used for load-bearing walls, foundations, and below-grade work. Most residential brick walls use Type N.
Pre-mix bags (just add water) are best for small to medium jobs — easier, consistent, no sand to buy. For large projects over 50 bags, mixing your own with masonry cement + sand may save money but requires more skill to get right consistency.
Standard 8" concrete blocks need about 12 blocks per 80 lb bag of mortar. A 100-block wall needs roughly 9 bags. Thicker blocks (10" or 12") need slightly more mortar per block.
Yes. Wider joints need more mortar. Standard 3/8" joints are baseline. 1/2" joints need about 10% more mortar. 5/8" joints need about 25% more mortar. Always order extra if using wider joints.

Related Calculators

Brick CalculatorConcrete Block CalculatorConcrete CalculatorSand Calculator

References

  1. Georgia Masonry Supply Estimating Guide