Brick Size And Types of Bricks | 100+ Standard Size of Masonry Brick In World

In the construction industry, brick size play a crucial role in building durable and sturdy structures. Standard size of masonry brick changes in different parts of world.

Understanding the different brick sizes used all over the world is essential for architects, engineers, and construction professionals to ensure precise and efficient construction.

In this article, we will delve into the standard, nominal, and normal size of masonry brick, exploring their significance in the construction landscape.

Standard Brick Size

The standard brick size in India, commonly known as the modular brick, is the most prevalent and widely used.

It has a uniform dimension that conforms to the Indian Standard IS 1077:1992. The standard brick measures 190 mm in length, 90 mm in width, and 90 mm in height.

Its regular shape and size make it ideal for various construction purposes, including load-bearing walls, partition walls, and foundations.

Different Brick Dimensions

Bricks come in different dimensions, which can vary based on regional standards, construction requirements, and architectural preferences. Here are some common dimensions of bricks:

1. Standard Brick: The most common brick size is the standard brick, which typically measures about 8 inches (203 mm) in length, 3 ⅝ inches (92 mm) in width, and 2 ¼ inches (57 mm) in height. This dimension is widely used in many countries.
2. Modular Brick: Modular bricks are slightly larger than standard bricks, measuring approximately 7 ⅝ inches (194 mm) in length, 3 ⅝ inches (92 mm) in width, and 2 ¼ inches (57 mm) in height. They are popular in the United States and some other regions.
3. Jumbo Brick: Jumbo bricks are larger than standard and modular bricks, often used to reduce construction time as fewer bricks are required for a given area. Their typical dimensions are 7 ⅝ inches (194 mm) in length, 3 ⅝ inches (92 mm) in width, and 3 ⅝ inches (92 mm) in height.
4. Queen Brick: Queen bricks are thinner compared to standard bricks, with dimensions of about 9 ⅝ inches (244 mm) in length, 2 ¾ inches (70 mm) in width, and 2 ¾ inches (70 mm) in height. They are commonly used for veneer walls.
5. King Brick: King bricks are larger and thicker than standard bricks, measuring approximately 9 ⅝ inches (244 mm) in length, 2 ⅝ inches (67 mm) in width, and 3 ⅝ inches (92 mm) in height.
6. Engineer Brick: Engineer bricks are larger than standard bricks, with dimensions around 7 ⅝ inches (194 mm) in length, 3 ⅝ inches (92 mm) in width, and 2 13/16 inches (71 mm) in height.
7. Roman Brick: Roman bricks are longer and thinner than standard bricks, often used for decorative purposes. They have dimensions of about 11 5/8 inches (295 mm) in length, 1 5/8 inches (41 mm) in width, and 1 5/8 inches (41 mm) in height.
8. Utility Brick: Utility bricks are larger and thicker than standard bricks, often used for heavy-duty applications in industrial settings. Their dimensions can vary widely, but they are generally bigger and more robust than standard bricks.
9. Closure Brick: Closure bricks are specially shaped to fill gaps or spaces at the end of a wall or around openings like doors and windows. They are designed to ensure a neat and precise fit in specific areas of a structure.
10. Perforated Brick: Perforated bricks have holes or perforations running through them. These holes reduce the weight of the brick and improve thermal insulation properties. They are commonly used in cavity wall construction.
11. Bullnose Brick: Bullnose bricks have one or more rounded edges, making them suitable for creating smooth, curved edges in walls, staircases, and decorative elements.
12. Hollow Brick: Hollow bricks have a lower density and are used for load-bearing walls, reducing the overall weight of the structure while maintaining strength.
13. Fire Brick: Fire bricks are specially designed to withstand high temperatures and are commonly used in the construction of fireplaces, kilns, and industrial furnaces.
14. Sand Lime Brick: Sand lime bricks are made from a mix of sand, lime, and fly ash, providing good strength and low water absorption. They are often used for load-bearing walls and facades.
15. Concrete Brick: Concrete bricks are made from a mixture of cement, sand, and aggregates. They come in various sizes and are commonly used for load-bearing walls and paving.
16. Fly Ash Brick: Fly ash bricks are environmentally friendly bricks made from fly ash, a byproduct of coal combustion, mixed with lime and water. They are lightweight and have good thermal insulation properties.
17. Engineering Brick: Engineering bricks are dense and strong, with low water absorption, making them suitable for use in engineering applications, such as sewers and manholes.
18. Interlocking Brick: Interlocking bricks have unique shapes that allow them to fit together like puzzle pieces, eliminating the need for mortar and making them easy to install.
19. Decorative Brick: Decorative bricks come in various shapes, colors, and textures, and are used for aesthetic purposes, adding visual appeal to buildings and landscapes.

Nominal Brick Size

Unlike the standard brick, the nominal brick size may vary slightly in dimensions. These variations are mainly due to factors like the presence of mortar joints and firing shrinkage during the brick-making process.

Nominal bricks typically have a size of 200 mm in length, 100 mm in width, and 100 mm in height. While the nominal size offers versatility in construction, it is essential to consider these variations during the design and layout stages.

Traditional Brick Size

Before standardization, traditional brick sizes were prevalent across different regions of India. These bricks varied significantly in dimensions, ranging from region to region and even within local areas.

The lack of uniformity posed challenges in construction, but skilled masons and artisans adapted to the varying sizes. Despite the standardization of brick sizes, some regions in India still use traditional bricks, especially in restoration projects, to preserve the historical and cultural significance of ancient buildings.

Brick Size In Different Countries

Brick sizes can vary significantly across different parts of the world due to historical, cultural, and regional differences in construction practices. Here are some common brick sizes used in different parts of the world:

1. United States:
   • Standard Brick: 7 5/8 inches (length) x 3 5/8 inches (width) x 2 1/4 inches (height) or 194 mm x 92 mm x 57 mm.
   • Modular Brick: 7 5/8 inches (length) x 3 5/8 inches (width) x 2 1/4 inches (height) or 194 mm x 92 mm x 57 mm.
2. United Kingdom:
   • Imperial Brick: 8 5/8 inches (length) x 4 1/8 inches (width) x 2 5/8 inches (height) or 219 mm x 102 mm x 65 mm.
   • Metric Brick: 215 mm x 102.5 mm x 65 mm (approximately).
3. Europe (Common Metric Brick):
   • 7.87 inches (length) x 3.94 inches (width) x 2.95 inches (height) or 200 mm x 100 mm x 75 mm.
4. Australia:
   • Standard Brick: 9 inches (length) x 4 1/2 inches (width) x 3 inches (height) or 230 mm x 110 mm x 76 mm.
   • Double Height Brick: 9 inches (length) x 4 1/2 inches (width) x 6 inches (height) or 230 mm x 110 mm x 162 mm.
5. India:
   • Standard Brick: 9 inches (length) x 4.5 inches (width) x 3 inches (height) or 230 mm x 115 mm x 75 mm.
   • AAC Block (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete): Various sizes are available, commonly 24 inches (length) x 8 inches (width) x 4 inches (height) or 600 mm x 200 mm x 100 mm.
6. South Africa:
   • Standard Brick: 8 5/8 inches (length) x 4 inches (width) x 3 inches (height) or 222 mm x 106 mm x 73 mm.
7. China:
   • Chinese Standard Brick: 7 7/8 inches (length) x 3 7/8 inches (width) x 2 3/8 inches (height) or 200 mm x 100 mm x 60 mm.
8. New Zealand:
   • Standard Brick: 9 inches (length) x 4 1/2 inches (width) x 3 inches (height) or 230 mm x 110 mm x 76 mm.
9. Japan:
   • Standard Brick: 7 7/8 inches (length) x 3 7/8 inches (width) x 2 3/8 inches (height) or 200 mm x 99 mm x 59 mm.
   • Jumbo Brick: 7 7/8 inches (length) x 5 7/8 inches (width) x 3 15/16 inches (height) or 200 mm x 150 mm x 100 mm.
10. Brazil:
    • Standard Brick: 9 1/4 inches (length) x 4 1/2 inches (width) x 2 3/4 inches (height) or 235 mm x 115 mm x 70 mm.
11. Russia:
    • Standard Brick: 8 1/4 inches (length) x 3 7/8 inches (width) x 2 1/4 inches (height) or 250 mm x 120 mm x 65 mm.
12. Malaysia:
    • Standard Brick: 9 1/2 inches (length) x 4 1/2 inches (width) x 2 1/2 inches (height) or 240 mm x 115 mm x 65 mm.
13. Germany:
    • Normbrick: 11 5/8 inches (length) x 3 5/8 inches (width) x 2 13/16 inches (height) or 290 mm x 90 mm x 71 mm.
    • Monarch Brick: 11 5/8 inches (length) x 3 5/8 inches (width) x 2 3/4 inches (height) or 290 mm x 90 mm x 70 mm.
14. Sweden:
    • Standard Brick: 11 3/4 inches (length) x 5 7/8 inches (width) x 2 3/4 inches (height) or 300 mm x 150 mm x 70 mm.
15. Saudi Arabia:
    • Standard Brick: 7 7/8 inches (length) x 3 7/8 inches (width) x 2 3/4 inches (height) or 200 mm x 100 mm x 70 mm.
16. Chile:
    • Standard Brick: 7 7/8 inches (length) x 3 7/8 inches (width) x 2 3/8 inches (height) or 200 mm x 100 mm x 60 mm.
17. Egypt:
    • Standard Brick: 8 5/8 inches (length) x 4 1/8 inches (width) x 2 5/8 inches (height) or 220 mm x 105 mm x 60 mm.
18. Indonesia:
    • Standard Brick: 8 1/4 inches (length) x 3 7/8 inches (width) x 2 1/2 inches (height) or 210 mm x 100 mm x 65 mm.

Standard size of masonry brick is necessary for standardizing walls and bricks. Normal brick size in different parts of India are shown in the table given below.

Different Types of Bricks

In India, various types of bricks are used for construction, each with specific characteristics and purposes. Here are some common types of bricks and their standard sizes in India:

1. Traditional Red Clay Brick:
   • Size: 9 inches (length) x 4.5 inches (width) x 3 inches (height) or 230 mm x 115 mm x 75 mm
   • These are the most common bricks used in Indian construction and are made from clay, often with traditional methods.
2. Fly Ash Brick:
   • Size: 9 inches (length) x 4.5 inches (width) x 3 inches (height) or 230 mm x 115 mm x 75 mm
   • Made from a combination of fly ash, cement, sand, and water, these bricks are eco-friendly and have gained popularity due to their thermal insulating properties.
3. Concrete Brick:
   • Size: 9 inches (length) x 4.5 inches (width) x 3 inches (height) or 230 mm x 115 mm x 75 mm
   • Concrete bricks are made from cement, aggregates, and water and are widely used for construction purposes.
4. Engineering Brick:
   • Size: 9 inches (length) x 4.5 inches (width) x 3 inches (height) or 230 mm x 115 mm x 75 mm
   • These bricks are highly durable, with low water absorption, and are used in specialized engineering applications.
5. Hollow Concrete Block:
   • Size: 16 inches (length) x 8 inches (width) x 8 inches (height) or 400 mm x 200 mm x 200 mm
   • Hollow concrete blocks are larger and have cavities within them, which reduces their weight and provides better insulation.
6. Cellular Lightweight Concrete (CLC) Brick:
   • Size: 24 inches (length) x 8 inches (width) x 4 inches (height) or 600 mm x 200 mm x 100 mm
   • CLC bricks are lightweight and have good thermal insulation properties, making them suitable for certain construction applications.
7. Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Block:
   • Size: Various sizes are available, commonly 24 inches (length) x 8 inches (width) x 4 inches (height) or 600 mm x 200 mm x 100 mm
   • AAC blocks are lightweight, strong, and offer excellent thermal insulation. They are available in various sizes and are often used for wall construction.
8. Perforated Brick:
   • Size: 9 inches (length) x 4.5 inches (width) x 3 inches (height) or 230 mm x 115 mm x 75 mm
   • These bricks have holes or perforations, reducing their weight and enhancing thermal insulation properties.

Importance of Brick Size in Construction

The choice of brick size has a direct impact on construction efficiency, cost, and aesthetics. Using the standard brick size offers several advantages, including easier calculation of material requirements, consistent laying patterns, and enhanced structural stability. Nominal bricks allow for flexibility in construction, especially when accommodating minor variations in dimensions. For restoration projects, the use of traditional bricks ensures authenticity and maintains the historical value of the building.

Here are some key points summarizing the importance of standard, nominal, and traditional brick sizes in India:

• Standard bricks have uniform dimensions of 190 mm x 90 mm x 90 mm, conforming to IS 1077:1992.
• Nominal bricks may have slight variations in dimensions due to mortar joints and firing shrinkage.
• Traditional bricks, with varying sizes across regions, are still used in some restoration projects.
• The choice of brick size impacts construction efficiency, cost, and structural stability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the standard, nominal, and traditional brick sizes in India is crucial for successful construction projects.

The standard brick size, with its uniformity, offers ease of use and precision, while nominal bricks provide flexibility in design. Additionally, traditional bricks preserve the historical and cultural heritage of ancient buildings.

Architects and builders must carefully consider the appropriate brick size based on the specific requirements of each construction project.