Brick Sizes, Shapes, Types, and Grades

Manufacturers produce bricks to their own specifications (the same manufacturer may even produce different sizes across plants), so it is important to confirm sizes; however, the sizes in the tables below come from the Brick Industry Association and are the most commonly produced sizes.

Understanding Brick Size Nomenclature

There are three different ways of discussing sizes when it comes to brick and it is important to understand the different sizes so there isn't any confusion - we will start by discussing the different dimensions: specified, actual, and nominal.

Specified brick dimensions are the dimensions that architects use in designing a wall. Specified dimensions are the anticipated manufactured dimensions of a brick without taking the mortar joint size into account. Architects will include the specified size in their drawings and specifications. In non-modular construction, the specified size is the only size used as you'll see in the tables below — non-modular construction is uncommon.

Actual brick dimensions are the final measurements of the brick as it comes out of the manufacturing plant. The actual dimensions of the brick are within certain tolerances of the specified size — tolerances are spelled out in ASTM C216, Standard Specification for Facing Brick and ASTM C652, Standard Specification for Hollow Brick. The tolerances vary depending on the type and size of brick, but they are minimal and will usually not affect the architectural design. If you are interested in more information about tolerances, start with the Brick Industry Association Technical Notes 9A.

Nominal brick dimensions are used in modular construction and are the specified size plus the width of the mortar joint. Most bricks are manufactured so that the nominal sizes fit into a grid of 4", which coincides with the modules of other building materials such as doors, windows, and wood components.

Diagram of brick dimensions: specified vs. nominal
Brick dimensions: specified vs. nominal

Brick Selection for Architects

Architects are mostly interested in the aesthetic appearance of the brick wall, but when it comes to detailing it is important to understand the sizes of bricks. That said, most architects will select bricks based on their color and bond pattern. The size of the brick is tied to the bond pattern and manufacturer specifics.

The size of the mortar joint is usually of no concern to the aesthetic (it is hard to tell the difference between 3/8" and 1/2"), but it is important in detailing — selection of the mortar size will come after the brick is selected and the manufacturer provides the specified size. However, a 3/8" mortar joint is usually used, which we will cover below.

A Word About Mortar Joint Sizes

The predominant mortar joint width used in construction is 3/8". In fact, the International Building Codes reference TMS 602 Specification for Masonry Structures, which defaults to a 3/8" mortar joint so this should be the main starting point for architects and engineers, but always confirm the specified size of your selected brick.

You will notice that the two different mortar sizes listed below both show the same vertical coursing dimensions. This is because the bricks are laid with mortar beds that vary to provide the common coursing dimensions listed. The mortar joint dimensions we call out are used for the Depth and Length dimensions.

We have an article that will help you select a long-lasting mortar joint for your brick wall.

Brick Sizes: 3/8" Mortar Joint Between Bricks (Most Common)

BRICK TYPESPECIFIED SIZE
D X H X L (INCHES)
NOMINAL SIZE
D X H X L (INCHES)
VERTICAL COURSE
Standard3 5/8 x 2 1/4 x 8Not modular3 courses = 8"
Modular3 5/8 x 2 1/4 x 7 5/84 x 2 2/3 x 83 courses = 8"
Norman3 5/8 x 2 1/4 x 11 5/84 x 2 2/3 x 123 courses = 8"
Roman3 5/8 x 1 5/8 x 11 5/84 x 2 x 121 course = 2"
Jumbo3 5/8 x 2 3/4 x 84 x 3 x 81 course = 3"
Economy3 5/8 x 3 5/8 x 7 5/84 x 4 x 81 course = 4"
Engineer3 5/8 x 2 13/16 x 7 5/84 x 3 1/5 x 85 courses = 16"
King2 3/4 x 2 5/8 x 9 5/8Not modular5 courses = 16"
Queen2 3/4 x 2 3/4 x 7 5/8Not modular5 courses = 16"
Utility3 5/8 x 3 5/8 x 11 5/84 x 4 x 121 course = 4"

Brick Sizes: 1/2" Mortar Joint Between Bricks

BRICK TYPESPECIFIED SIZE
D X H X L (INCHES)
NOMINAL SIZE
D X H X L (INCHES)
VERTICAL COURSE
Standard3 1/2 x 2 1/4 x 8Not modular3 courses = 8"
Modular3 1/2 x 2 1/4 x 7 1/24 x 2 2/3 x 83 courses = 8"
Norman3 1/2 x 2 1/4 x 11 1/24 x 2 2/3 x 123 courses = 8"
Roman3 1/2 x 1 1/2 x 11 1/24 x 2 x 121 course = 2"
Jumbo3 1/2 x 2 1/2 x 84 x 3 x 81 course = 3"
Economy3 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 7 1/24 x 4 x 81 course = 4"
Engineer3 1/2 x 2 3/4 x 7 1/24 x 3 1/5 x 85 courses = 16"
King3 x 2 3/4 x 9 3/4Not modular5 courses = 16"
Queen3 x 2 3/4 x 8Not modular5 courses = 16"
Utility3 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 11 1/24 x 4 x 121 course = 4"

Calculating Brick Openings

When calculating brick openings, you count the courses (vertical) or brick lengths (horizontal) to get the Masonry Opening (M.O.). However, to get the actual opening you have to factor in the additional mortar joint that is missing from the standard nominal dimensions. Note that the image below is for illustrative purposes and doesn't show a lintel (steel angle, precast, or other), which also must be factored into calculating the modular/rough opening.

Diagram of Brick Openings: Nominal Masonry Opening vs. Actual Opening Size
Brick Openings: Nominal Masonry Opening vs. Actual Opening Size

For more information on dimensioning and estimating brick, check out the Brick Industry Association Technical Notes 10, Dimensioning and Estimating Brick Masonry.

Brick Orientation

The diagrams below represent the orientations for bricks as they are laid in walls. The red face is the face that is exposed. Different orientations are combined to create bond patterns.

Even though the bricks are laid in any of the six orientations below, brick walls are always dimensioned as if they are laid in the stretcher orientation.

Stretcher

Brick - Stretcher Orientation

Shiner

Brick - Shiner Orientation

Soldier

Brick - Soldier Orientation

Sailor

Brick - Sailor Orientation

Header

Brick - Header Orientation

Rowlock

Brick - Rowlock Orientation

Brick Types and Specification Based on Application

Architects generally select bricks based on the type of application. Many factors go into the selection, including durability (see Grades below), load capacity, and appearance. The following table covers the major types of brick, their ASTM specification criteria, and the general usage applications.

BRICK TYPEASTM DESIGNATIONUSAGE / APPLICATION
Building BrickASTM C62Structural and non-structural brick where appearance IS NOT important
Facing BrickASTM C216Structural and non-structural brick where appearance is important
Hollow BrickASTM C652Building or facing brick used with anchors (e.g. brick veneer) or reinforcing
Thin Veneer BrickASTM C1088Direct applied veneers
Pedestrian Paving BrickASTM C902Paving for pedestrian or very light vehicular traffic
Heavy Vehicular Paving BrickASTM C1272Standard or heavy vehicular traffic
Ceramic Glazed BrickASTM C126Standard glazed brick
Single Fired Glazed BrickASTM C1405Glazed brick where the glaze is fused during firing of the main brick body
Firebox BrickASTM C1261Residential fireplaces
Chemical-Resistant BrickASTM C279Brick exposed to chemicals and acids
Sewer and Manhole BrickASTM C32Structures for conveyance of sewage, storm water, and industrial waste
Industrial Floor BrickASTM C410Surfacing industrial floors

Brick Grades

Brick grades indicate the durability of a brick when it is exposed to moisture and freezing. There are three factors that help determine brick durability: compressive strength, water absorption, and the saturation coefficient. The Brick Industry Association has more information about these factors in Technical Note 9A: specifications for and Classification of Brick.

Severe Weathering (SW or SX) brick is the most durable and is acceptable for use when exposed to freeze-thaw cycles when wet or when the bricks are in contact with the ground. Most manufacturers produce brick that adheres to SW or SX standards.

Moderate Weathering (MW or MX) brick is acceptable for use where it will not be exposed to freeze-thaw cycles when wet. It has a slightly lower compressive strength than SW brick.

Negligible Weathering (NW or NX) is acceptable when it will never be exposed to cold or damp conditions, such as when used indoors.

Brick Weathering Indices

In addition to the physical properties, there are three weathering index regions in the United States. Each region is classified based on the annual freeze-thaw cycles per year. The image below shows the weathering regions.

Brick Weathering Regions for the United States
Brick Weathering Regions for the United States

Finally, bricks must be selected based on their exposure. Bricks buried or in contact with the earth must be more durable that those that are not. The Brick Industry Association recommends using the following brick grades based on region and exposure:

Selecting the Brick Grade for your Project

Brick grades are selected base don the region as mentioned above, but also based on whether the exposed face of the brick is on a vertical or horizontal surface plus whether the brick is in contact with the ground. The descriptions and table below provide the same recommendations for minimum brick grade, but in different formats.

EXPOSUREWEATHERING INDEX
LESS THAN 50
WEATHERING INDEX
50 OR GREATER
Vertical surfaces in contact with earthMW or MXSW or SX
Vertical surfaces NOT in contact with the groundMW or MXSW or SX
Horizontal surfaces in contact with the groundSW or SXSW or SX
Horizontal surfaces NOT in contact with the groundMW or MXSW or SX

Vertical surfaces in contact with the ground within negligible weathering regions: use Moderate Weathering (MW or MX) grade brick.
Vertical surfaces NOT in contact with the ground within negligible weathering regions: use Moderate Weathering (MW or MX) grade brick.

Vertical surfaces in contact with the ground within moderate or severe weathering regions: use Severe Weathering (SW or SX) grade brick.
Vertical surfaces NOT in contact with the ground within moderate or severe weathering regions: use Severe Weathering (SW or SX) grade brick.

Horizontal surfaces in contact with the ground within negligible weathering regions: use Severe Weathering (SW or SX) grade brick.
Horizontal surfaces NOT in contact with the ground within negligible weathering regions: use Moderate Weathering (MW or MX) grade brick.

Horizontal surfaces in contact with the ground within moderate or severe weathering regions: use Severe Weathering (SW or SX) grade brick.
Horizontal surfaces NOT in contact with the ground within moderate or severe weathering regions: use Severe Weathering (SW or SX) grade brick.

Article Updated: April 18, 2009

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