Estimating Mortar for Masonry
Estimating the right amount of mortar is crucial for any masonry project. If you haven't determined your block count yet, try our Block Calculator first. Our Mortar Calculator simplifies the next step by determining the volume of voids to be filled and converting it into exact quantities of Cement and Sand.
This tool supports standard mixes (like 1:4 and 1:6) and helps you avoid material shortage or wastage.
How is Mortar Calculated?
We use the volumetric difference method:
- Step 1: Calculate Total Wall Volume.
- Step 2: Calculate the volume of blocks/bricks *without* mortar.
- Step 3: The difference is the Wet Mortar Volume.
- Step 4: We increase this by 33% (Dry Volume Factor) to account for sand bulking and shrinkage when water is added.
- Step 5: Apply the mix ratio (e.g., 1:5) to separate Cement and Sand quantities.
Common Mortar Mix Ratios
- 1:3 High Strength: Used for heavy load-bearing walls, exposed masonry, or foundations. Rich in cement.
- 1:4 Standard Mix: The most common ratio for general exterior brickwork and blockwork.
- 1:5 or 1:6 Lean Mix: Suitable for interior partition walls or non-load bearing structures where high strength isn't critical.
For more technical details on mix types, visit the Wikipedia entry on Masonry Mortar.