construction

Mortar

A paste of cement, sand, and water used to bind bricks, blocks, or stones in masonry construction.

Mortar is not the same as concrete. It's designed to bond masonry units together, fill gaps, and create a weather-tight seal.

Mortar Types (ASTM C270)

  • Type M (2,500 psi): Below-grade, foundations, retaining walls
  • Type S (1,800 psi): Structural, exterior walls, severe weather
  • Type N (750 psi): General purpose, above-grade (most common)
  • Type O (350 psi): Interior, non-load-bearing

Mix Ratio (Type N)

1 part cement : 1 part lime : 5–6 parts sand. Add water until workable consistency.

Related Calculators

📊 Mortar Quantity Calculator📊 Brick & Block Calculator

Related Terms

Square Footage

A measurement of area in square feet, commonly used for rooms, homes, and land in the United States.

Concrete Volume

The amount of concrete needed for a project, typically measured in cubic yards or cubic meters.

Board Foot

A unit of lumber volume equal to a piece 1 foot long, 1 foot wide, and 1 inch thick (144 cubic inches).

Rebar (Reinforcing Bar)

Steel bars embedded in concrete to increase tensile strength, since concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension.

Drywall

A construction panel made of gypsum plaster pressed between two sheets of paper, used for interior walls and ceilings.

Roofing Square

A unit of measurement equal to 100 square feet, used in the roofing industry to estimate materials.