MORTAR / GROUT
MORTAR / GROUT BAGS
bags = volume ÷ yield
ft²
in
RESULT
—
FILL IN ABOVE
Brick mortar = 80 lb bags Type N/S, ~30 bricks/bag at 3/8" joint. Tile grout = 25 lb bags. Estimate only — verify with supplier.
About this calculator
This mortar and grout calculator handles two of the most common masonry quantities: brick mortar in 80-pound bags (Type N or S) and tile grout in 25-pound bags. Pick a mode, enter your wall area or tile area along with the joint size, and the calculator estimates the bags to order with waste factored in. Brick math assumes modular brick at 6.86 per square foot with a 3/8-inch mortar joint and 30 bricks per 80-lb bag. Tile math computes grout volume from joint cross-section using tile size, joint width, and tile thickness — the same approach manufacturers use to publish coverage charts. ESTIMATE ONLY — verify with your supplier and the manufacturer's coverage chart for the specific product.
Common questions
How many bags of mortar do I need for 1,000 bricks?
About 33 bags of 80-lb Type N or S — most masons round to 7 bags per 1,000 brick at a 3/8" joint, then add a 10-15% waste factor for partial bags and tooling loss. Type S has higher compressive strength than N (1,800 psi vs 750 psi) and is used below grade or for load-bearing walls; Type N is the all-purpose mix above grade. Joint thickness drives the math more than brick size: a 1/2" joint nearly doubles the mortar volume of a 3/8" joint.
What's the difference between sanded and unsanded grout?
Unsanded grout is rated for joints under 1/8 in (rectified porcelain, glass tile, polished marble) — sand particles would scratch the tile face. Sanded grout handles 1/8 in to 1/2 in joints and is the default for most floor tile and field tile. Above 1/2 in joint, switch to a wide-joint sanded mix or a polymer-modified mortar. Coverage drops fast as joints get wider — a 1/4 in joint on 4×4 tile burns 3-4× the grout of the same tile with a 1/16 in joint.
How much grout for a 100 sq ft floor?
For 12×12 tile with a 1/8" joint, one 25-lb bag of sanded grout typically covers 100-200 ft² depending on the manufacturer and how thick you bed the grout. For 4×4 tile with a 1/4" joint, that same bag drops to 50-75 ft² because joint length per area is roughly 3× higher. Always cross-check the manufacturer's coverage chart for the specific product before ordering.