Determine the number of bricks needed.

Question

For our column, assume the standard size modular brick is 4" in width by 8" in length by 2 3/4" in height ( including mortar). 

There are 4 bricks used in each course or layer. 

Compute the number of courses or layers required to construct a column 4 feet 7 inches tall. Assume each course will have only mortar on the bottom side of the brick. Multiply the height of 4 feet 12 inches per foot to find the number of inches, then add the extra 7 inches. Divide the number of inches in the column by the height of a single course to determine the number of layers. 

Multiply the number of bricks in a layer by the number of courses to compute the total number of standard size bricks needed

Answer 1

Julie, the problem tells you what to do.

 

4 feet x 12 inches = 48 inches + 7 inches = 55 total inches.

 

A single course is 2 3/4 inches high, or 11/4 inches.

 

55 ÷ 11/4 = 55 x 4/11 = 220/11 = 20 total courses.

 

Each course uses 4 bricks. 20(4) = 80 total bricks.