Calculate bags of mortar and sand needed for brick, block, and stone masonry. Includes coverage rates and mortar type recommendations.
| Type | Strength | Best For | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type N | 750 PSI | Above-grade walls, chimneys, veneer | — |
| Type S | 1,800 PSI | Foundations, retaining walls, below-grade | — |
| Type M | 2,500 PSI | Heavy structural, earth contact, commercial | — |
How far an 80-lb bag of pre-mixed mortar goes depends on the material, joint size, and application.
| Application | Joint Size | Coverage per 80-lb Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Standard brick (modular) | 3/8" joints | 30–35 sq ft of wall |
| Standard brick (modular) | 1/2" joints | 22–28 sq ft of wall |
| CMU block (8×8×16) | 3/8" joints | 12–15 blocks |
| CMU block (8×8×16) | 1/2" joints | 10–12 blocks |
| Natural stone veneer | 1/2" joints | 15–20 sq ft |
| Flagstone / thick stone | 3/4" joints | 8–12 sq ft |
| Tuckpointing (repointing) | 3/8" × 3/4" deep | 40–50 sq ft |
If you're mixing mortar from scratch instead of using pre-mixed bags:
| Type | Portland Cement | Lime | Sand | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type N | 1 part | 1 part | 6 parts | 750 PSI |
| Type S | 1 part | 1/2 part | 4.5 parts | 1,800 PSI |
| Type M | 1 part | 1/4 part | 3 parts | 2,500 PSI |
| Type O | 1 part | 2 parts | 9 parts | 350 PSI |
Pre-mixed vs. site-mixed: Pre-mixed bags are easier and more consistent for small jobs (under 20 bags). For large jobs, site-mixing from Portland cement, lime, and sand is significantly cheaper — about 40-50% less per cubic foot.
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