Concrete Block (CMU) Wall Calculator
This professional block wall calculator helps contractors, estimators, and DIYers determine how many concrete masonry units (CMU), courses, mortar, rebar, grout, and caps are needed. It is accessible, mobile-first, and optimized for precision and speed.
Calculator
Caps are assumed along the top course only.
Results
Results
Estimates only. Verify with project documents and local codes.
Data Source and Methodology
Primary reference: The Masonry Society (TMS). Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures — TMS 402/602-22. 2022. View source
Supporting guides: National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) TEK Notes: TEK 2-3A Unit Dimensions, TEK 9-1.
Tutti i calcoli si basano rigorosamente sulle formule e sui dati forniti da questa fonte.
The Formula Explained
Net wall area: $$A_w = L \times H - A_o$$
Block face area (nominal): $$A_b = L_b \times H_b$$
Blocks before waste (area-based): $$N = \left\lceil \dfrac{A_w}{A_b} \right\rceil$$
Waste allowance: $$N_t = \left\lceil N \times \left(1 + \dfrac{w}{100}\right) \right\rceil$$
Courses and blocks per course (modular): $$C = \left\lceil \dfrac{H}{H_b} \right\rceil,\quad B_c = \left\lceil \dfrac{L}{L_b} \right\rceil$$
Approx. mortar volume per block scaled by face area: $$V_m \approx N \times v_0 \times \dfrac{A_b}{A_{b0}}$$ with $v_0 \approx 0.075\ \mathrm{ft^3}$ per 8×8×16 and $A_{b0}=16\text{ in}\times8\text{ in}$.
Vertical rebar count: $$n_v = \max\!\left(2,\ \left\lfloor \dfrac{L}{s_v} \right\rfloor + 1 \right)$$, per-bar length: $$\ell_v = H + \ell_{lap}$$, total: $$L_v = n_v \times \ell_v$$.
Horizontal rebar rows: $$n_h = \max\!\left(1,\ \left\lfloor \dfrac{H}{s_h} \right\rfloor + 1 \right)$$, total length: $$L_h = n_h \times L$$.
Grout volume at vertical bars (approx.): $$V_g \approx n_v \times A_c \times H$$, where $A_c$ is the grouted cell area.
Glossary of Variables
- L: wall length; H: wall height; A_o: total openings area
- L_b, H_b: nominal block face length and height (including joint)
- A_w: net wall area; A_b: block face area; N: blocks before waste; N_t: total blocks with waste
- w: waste percentage; C: courses; B_c: blocks per course
- v_0: reference mortar volume per 8×8×16 block (~0.075 ft³); V_m: mortar volume
- s_v, s_h: vertical and horizontal rebar spacing; n_v, n_h: counts; ℓ_v: vertical bar length; L_v, L_h: total lengths
- A_c: approximate grouted cell area; V_g: grout volume
Worked Example
How It Works: A Step-by-Step Example
Given: L = 30 ft, H = 6 ft, A_o = 20 ft², block = 8×8×16 (nominal face 16 in × 8 in), waste w = 7%.
- Compute areas: A_w = 30×6 − 20 = 160 ft². A_b = (16/12)×(8/12) = 1.333×0.667 ≈ 0.889 ft².
- Blocks before waste: N = ceil(160 / 0.889) = ceil(180.0) = 180.
- Total with waste: N_t = ceil(180 × 1.07) = ceil(192.6) = 193 blocks.
- Modular guidance: C = ceil(6 / 0.667) = 9 courses; B_c = ceil(30 / 1.333) = 23 per course.
- Mortar: V_m ≈ 180 × 0.075 ≈ 13.5 ft³ ≈ 0.50 yd³; 80-lb bags ≈ 13.5 / 0.6 ≈ 23 bags.
Rebar example: s_v = s_h = 4 ft, lap allowance ℓ_lap = 2 ft, A_c = 36 in².
- n_v = floor(30/4)+1 = 7+1 = 8 (minimum 2). ℓ_v = 6+2 = 8 ft. L_v = 8×8 = 64 ft.
- n_h = floor(6/4)+1 = 1+1 = 2. L_h = 2×30 = 60 ft.
- Grout: A_c = 36 in² = 0.25 ft²; V_g ≈ 8 × 0.25 × 6 = 12 ft³ ≈ 0.44 yd³.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What block sizes are supported?
Common US nominal sizes (6, 8, 12 in thickness) and the 400×200 mm metric module are included. Use Custom to enter nominal face dimensions for any specialty unit.
How accurate are the estimates?
Block counts are area-based with modular guidance. Mortar and grout quantities use industry-average yields and assumptions; actual needs can vary with workmanship, site conditions, and specifications.
Does the calculator account for control joints, corners, or bond beams?
It provides global quantities. Specific detailing such as control joints, corner units, bond beams, and lintels can affect cuts and reinforcement; always review with design documents.
How should I set waste percentage?
For straightforward walls, 5–7% is common. Increase to 8–12% for complex layouts, many openings, or fragile finishes.
Can I rely on this for code compliance?
No. This is a planning tool only. Structural design must follow TMS 402/602, local building codes, and the project engineer’s requirements.
What’s the difference between mortar and grout?
Mortar bonds units together in joints. Grout is a fluid fill for cells and bond beams, often used to encase reinforcement and improve strength.