A brick veneer calculator works out the bricks, wall ties and weep holes for a brick veneer wall. It takes the net wall area, applies 6.75 modular bricks per square foot and a waste allowance, and adds one tie per 2.67 square feet. A 20 by 9 foot wall needs about 1,337 bricks and 68 ties.
Bricks needed
Calculations run in your browser. Inputs are not sent to our servers; anything you Save stays in this browser only.
Saved results (0)
How to Use the Brick Veneer Calculator
- Enter the wall length and height.
- Deduct the area of any openings for doors and windows.
- Set the bricks per square foot, tie area and weep spacing, or keep the code defaults.
- Read the bricks, wall ties, weep holes and base flashing.
Here is what each result line means:
| Result | What it means |
|---|---|
| Bricks needed | Face bricks for the net wall area, including waste. |
| Wall ties | Ties to anchor the veneer to the backing, one per tie area. |
| Weep holes | Drainage openings along the base, at your spacing. |
| Base flashing | Flashing length along the base of the wall. |
What Is a Brick Veneer Calculator?
A brick veneer calculator estimates the materials for a single wythe of face brick tied to a backing wall, the most common residential brickwork. Unlike a structural wall, a veneer carries only its own weight and is anchored with ties.
It works out the face bricks and the veneer-specific items: wall ties, weep holes and base flashing. For the bricks and mortar of a general wall, use the brick and mortar calculator.
How the Brick Veneer Calculator Works
The bricks come from the net wall area and the bricks per square foot, with waste. The ties and weep holes come from the code spacing.
- Multiply length by height, then subtract the openings, for the net area.
- Multiply by 6.75 bricks per square foot and add the waste allowance.
- Divide the net area by 2.67 square feet per tie for the ties.
- Divide the base length by the weep spacing for the weep holes.
The brick count uses the modular figure of 6.75 per square foot. The ties and weep holes follow the IRC maximums, which your local code may tighten.
Brick Veneer Example
Suppose you have a 20 by 9 foot veneer wall, 180 square feet, no openings, at the default spacings and 10 percent waste.
Calculation: 180 square feet times 6.75 is 1,215 bricks, and with 10 percent waste about 1,337. Ties are 180 divided by 2.67, about 68. Weep holes along the 20 foot base at 24 inches are about 10.
The lesson: the brick count scales with area, while ties and weep holes come from the code spacing, not the brick size.
Factors That Change Brick Veneer Quantities
Wall Area and Openings
Bricks scale with the net area, so measuring openings accurately matters on walls with many windows.
Brick Size
Modular brick is 6.75 per square foot, but queen, utility and other sizes cover differently. Use the figure for your brick.
Tie Spacing
The IRC allows one tie per 2.67 square feet, but seismic and high-wind areas, or taller walls, need closer spacing. The code governs.
Weep and Flashing Details
Weep holes sit above flashing at the base and above openings. More flashing lines mean more weep holes than the base alone.
Brick Veneer vs a Structural Brick Wall
Veneer and structural brickwork are built and counted differently.
| Type | Carries | Key extras |
|---|---|---|
| Brick veneer | Only its own weight, tied to a backing | Wall ties, weep holes, flashing, air gap |
| Structural brick | Building loads | Reinforcement, bond pattern, thicker wythes |
This tool is for veneer, where the ties and drainage details are what set it apart. A structural wall is an engineered element.
When to Use a Brick Veneer Calculator
Ordering a Veneer Job
Turn a wall size into bricks, ties and weep holes to order and plan.
Checking a Quote
Sanity-check a supplier take-off against the wall area and code spacing.
Planning Details
Count the weep holes and flashing so the drainage plane is right from the start.
Common Mistakes with Brick Veneer
1. Skipping the Ties
Veneer must be tied to the backing at the code spacing. Too few ties is a serious defect, not a saving.
2. Leaving Out Weep Holes
Weep holes drain the air gap. Without them, water is trapped behind the brick. Space them at 33 inches or less.
3. Forgetting Flashing
Flashing at the base and over openings directs water out through the weeps. It is essential, not optional.
4. Using the Wrong Brick Figure
6.75 per square foot is modular brick. Other sizes cover differently, so use your brick coverage.
5. Ignoring High-wind or Seismic Rules
These areas need closer ties and extra detailing. The IRC maximum is a starting point, not the answer everywhere.
Accuracy and Limitations
The counts are exact for the inputs, but the spacings are code minimums and the brick figure is nominal, so treat the result as a planning estimate.
What it calculates
- Face bricks for the net area with waste
- Wall ties and weep holes from the spacing
- Base flashing length
What it does not do
- Design the ties, lintels or backing
- Account for bond pattern, corners or returns in detail
- Size mortar, which the brick and mortar calculator covers
- Replace the IRC, local code or the design
How We Calculate Brick Veneer
Frequently Asked Questions About Brick Veneer
How many bricks do I need for a veneer wall?
Multiply the net wall area by 6.75 modular bricks per square foot and add waste. A 20 by 9 foot wall with no openings, at 10 percent waste, needs about 1,337 bricks. Deduct doors and windows from the area first.
How many wall ties does brick veneer need?
One tie per 2.67 square feet of veneer, the IRC maximum, which works out to about 68 ties for a 180 square foot wall. Seismic and high-wind areas, and taller walls, may need closer spacing.
How far apart are weep holes in brick veneer?
The IRC sets a maximum spacing of 33 inches on center, immediately above the flashing. Many masons use 24 inches. Weep holes drain the air gap behind the brick.
What is brick veneer?
Brick veneer is a single outer layer of face brick anchored to a backing wall with ties. It carries only its own weight, with an air gap, flashing and weep holes behind it to manage water, unlike a load-bearing brick wall.
Do I subtract windows and doors?
Yes. Deduct the area of openings from the gross wall area before counting bricks. The tool does this when you enter the openings area.
How much waste should I allow for brick?
About 10 percent covers breakage, cuts at corners and openings, and culls. Add more for complex walls with many openings or a difficult bond pattern.
Does this include mortar?
No. This tool focuses on the veneer-specific items, bricks, ties, weep holes and flashing. For mortar, use the brick and mortar calculator, which estimates mortar bags for a wall.
How accurate is the estimate?
The counts are exact for your inputs. The brick figure is nominal and the spacings are code minimums, so treat the result as a planning estimate and follow your local code.
Is my data saved?
No. The calculation runs entirely in your browser and nothing you enter is stored or sent anywhere.
Sources
- Brick Industry Association: Technical Notes (BIA; brick sizes, coverage and veneer construction, Technical Note 10 and Builder Notes).
- National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA; masonry veneer, ties and flashing).
- American Cement Association (American Cement Association; masonry and mortar).
Related Calculators
Planning a brick veneer wall?
Explore all masonry calculatorsThis calculator estimates brick veneer quantities for planning only. Wall tie spacing, weep holes, flashing, lintels and the backing must follow the IRC or your local code and the design, which can be stricter than the typical values here. Confirm the details with your building department. Spotted an error? Let us know.