Brick sizes
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
There are many different types of brick available, and it is important to both choose your bricks wisely and also check their dimensions to ensure they fit with the design layout.
This article presents a size guide for bricks and details the dimensions for some of the most commonly-used bricks.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
[edit] Standard bricks
The standard co-ordinating size for brickwork is 225 mm x 112.5 mm x 75 mm (length x depth x height). This includes 10 mm mortar joints, and so the standard size for a brick itself is 215 mm x 102.5 mm x 65 mm (length x depth x height).
This gives a ratio of 3:2:1, meaning that:
- With a standard mortar joint of 10 mm, a repeating unit of bricks laid in a stretcher bond will be 225 mm lengthwise and 75 mm in height.
- If bricks are laid cross-wise, two 102.5 mm depths plus two mortar joints gives the same repeating unit as the length of one brick plus one mortar joint, i.e. 225 mm.
- If they are laid height wise, three 65 mm heights plus three mortar joints gives the same repeating unit as the length of one brick plus one mortar joint, i.e. 225 mm.
This makes it straight-forward to create complex patterns of bricks within the standard co-ordinating size. See Types of brick bonding for more information.
60 standard bricks laid in a stretcher bond (lengthwise) are required for every square meter of wall.
[edit] Other common rectangular brick sizes
To help develop this list, click 'Edit this article' at the top of the page.
Type | Characteristics | Imperial length x depth x height | Metric length x depth x height |
Blocks | Constructed using concrete or cement. They may include a hollow core to make them lighter and to improve their insulation. | 440 x (varies) x 215 | |
Modular | Commonly used for the construction of buildings and homes. | 7-5/8" x 3-5/8" x 2-1/4" | 194 x 92 x 57 |
Jumbo modular | 7-5/8" x 3-5/8" x 2-3/4" | 194 x 92 x 70 | |
Queen | Slightly smaller and more cost effective than a modular brick. | 9-5/8" x 3-1/8" x 2-3/4" | 244 x 79 x 70 |
King | 9-5/8" x 2-3/4" x 2-5/8" | 244 x 76 x 67 | |
Engineer | Used where strength and water/frost resistance are required. Very sturdy and reliable to use. | 7-5/8" x 3-5/8" x 2-13/16" | 194 x 92 x 71 |
Closure | Used to finish off a wall, especially at the corners | 7-5/8" x 3-5/8" x 3-5/8" | 194 x 92 x 92 |
Norwegian | Substantial bricks that can be used in loadbearing walls while still looking good. They have a natural beauty to them. | 11-5/8" x 3-5/8" x 2-13/16" | 295 x 92 x 71 |
Monarch | Commonly used for long stretches of wall and are very strong. | 15-5/8" x 3-5/8" x 3-5/8" | 397 x 92 x 92 |
Utility | Very versatile and can be used for a range of construction projects. | 11-5/8" x 3-5/8" x 3-5/8" | 295 x 92 x 92 |
Norman | These are classic industrial bricks for construction projects and commonly come in red or white. | 11-5/8" x 3-5/8" x 2-1/4" | 295 x 92 x 57 |
Roman | 11-5/8" x 3-5/8" x 1-5/8" | 295 x 92 x 41 | |
Quad | 7-5/8 x 3-5/8" x 7-5/8" | 194 x 92 x 194 | |
Danish hand mould | 7-5/8" x 3-5/8" x 2-1/4" | 194 x 92 x 57 | |
Meridian | 15-5/8" x 3-5/8" x 3-5/8" | 397 x 92 x 92 | |
Ambassador | 15-5/8" x 3-5/8" x 2-1/4" | 397 x 92 x 57 |
Note, there may be some variation in these sizes through history and from one supplier to another. See Variations in brick sizes by John Harrison for more information.
[edit] Special bricks
Other than the standard rectangular brick, a number of special shapes exist for particular circumstances:
- Radial, tapered or arch bricks.
- Angle and cant bricks that form returns and chamfers.
- Bullnose bricks with rounded corners.
- Capping and coping bricks.
- Cill bricks.
- Plinth bricks.
- Slip bricks (thin bricks that can be used for cladding).
- Soldier bricks, that form returns for soldier courses.
Bricks can also be cut or hand made to size.
This article was originally created by --Specified
It has subsequently been edited by others - See full history for more information.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
IHBC NewsBlog
BRE/BEIS project to modernise home energy rating scheme
The Building Research Establishment (BRE) has announced a new project with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to improve and modernise the home energy rating scheme used to measure the energy and environmental performance of UK homes.
Interdisciplinary IHBC accreditation recognised by CSCS for PQP Cards
Sector lead the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) has recognised the IHBC’s professional accreditation and support (CPD etc.) in awarding its PQP (Professionally Qualified Person) cards.
IHBC Heritage Marketplace provides learning-led virtual engagement
The IHBC’s 2022 Aberdeen School Heritage MarketPlace (4.30-7.30PM, 15 June) is designed to extend the scope of a traditional IHBC School exhibition floor.
Unearthing the history of Gloucester’s 'the Fleece' Hotel starts
Work to repair a fire-hit medieval hotel in Gloucester is underway as crews have started work to strip back some of the modern trappings and reveal the historic framework.
Booking Open for IHBC Annual School: Aberdeen, 16-18 June 2022
Options for in-person and virtual delegates to explore ‘heritage on the edge’ across up to 4 days of IHBC engagement & learning.
European Heritage Heads Forum statement on Ukraine
The Secretariat to the European Heritage Heads Forum has has coordinated its declaration of solidarity and support for Ukraine’s cultural heritage institutions.
Welcome to #IHBC25 – 25 years since we turned professional
2022 will see the IHBC mark a quarter of a century since our incorporation as a professional body supporting and accrediting built and historic environment conservation specialists. We’re kick-starting it by inviting your ideas on how to mark this special year!
IHBC launches new Guidance Note on ‘Design sources for historic building conservation'
The IHBC’s latest Guidance Note adds to the institute’s open-access, online practitioner’s Toolbox.
England’s communities empowered to shape design of neighbourhoods
Twenty-five areas in England from Bournemouth to Carlisle have been awarded a share of £3 million to help them set their own standards for design locally. "move from a vicious circle of generic development to a virtuous circle of regenerative development".
IHBC at COP26 - Conserving our Places Conserves our Planet - Podcast
The IHBC seeks to raise awareness and understanding of how building conservation philosophy and practice contributes towards meeting the challenge of climate change.
Comments