Estimate common UK building materials for brickwork, blockwork, concrete, plasterboard, flooring and paint—with an adjustable waste allowance.
Project measurements
Estimated quantity
Based on approximately 60 standard UK bricks per m² for a single-skin wall.
Materials covered by this calculator
| Material | Calculation basis |
|---|---|
| Standard bricks | 60 bricks per m² per skin |
| Standard 440 × 215 mm blocks | 10 blocks per m² per skin |
| Concrete | Length × width × depth in metres |
| Plasterboard | 2.4 × 1.2 m board = 2.88 m² |
| Flooring/tiles | Floor area ÷ entered pack coverage |
| Paint | Surface area × coats ÷ entered coverage; default 10 m²/litre |
How to measure accurately
Measure each rectangular surface in metres. For walls, multiply length by height and deduct the combined area of doors and windows. For a concrete slab, multiply length by width by depth; enter depth in centimetres and the calculator converts it to metres. Irregular projects should be split into smaller rectangles and added together.
Waste covers cuts, breakage and minor measurement differences. Ten per cent is a useful starting estimate, but complex patterns, fragile materials and small rooms may need more. Do not use the waste percentage to replace structural design or supplier advice.
Worked brick example
A 5 m long by 2.4 m high wall has a net area of 12 m². At 60 standard bricks per m², a single skin needs 720 bricks before waste. Adding 10% gives an estimated order quantity of 792 bricks.
UK material assumptions
A common UK standard brick is 215 × 102.5 × 65 mm. With typical mortar joints, the widely used planning allowance is about 60 bricks per square metre for a single skin. Product sizes and coverage vary, so always replace defaults with the manufacturer’s figure where the calculator allows it.
For a dedicated property project estimate, see our Home Materials Calculator.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
How many standard bricks are needed per square metre?
A common estimating allowance is approximately 60 standard UK bricks per m² for a single-skin wall.
How many concrete blocks are needed per square metre?
Approximately 10 standard 440 × 215 mm blocks per m² is a common planning estimate, allowing for joints.
What waste allowance should I use?
Ten per cent is a common starting point. Simple layouts may need less, while complex cuts or fragile products may need more.
Does the concrete result include reinforcement?
No. It estimates concrete volume only and does not design reinforcement, foundations or structural specifications.
Are the results exact ordering quantities?
No. They are planning estimates. Confirm pack sizes, batch requirements and coverage with your supplier.