Bricks are used as building materials for walls as well as fireplaces and patios. They are primarily made of aluminum silicate, or clay, and calcium silicate and have is a rectangular prism shape. You may need to estimate the weight of bricks if, for example, you need to transport them. To calculate the brick weight, you need to use the following formula: weight = volume x density.
- Ruler
- Calculater
Measure your brick's three dimensions using a ruler. For example, suppose that the brick size is 8 by 3 by 2 inches.
Multiply the length, width and height of the brick to calculate its volume. In the example, the volume of the brick is 8 x 3 x 2 = 48 cubic inches.
Multiply the volume in cubic inches by 0.000016 to convert it to cubic meters. In the example, the brick volume is 48 x 0.000016 = 0.000768 cubic meters.
Determine the density of your brick. In the example, the density of common red bricks is 1,922 kilograms per cubic meter.
Multiply the volume by the density to calculate the brick weight. In the example, the weight is 0.000768 cubic meters x 1,922 kilograms/cubic meter = 1.476 kilograms.
Multiply the weight in kilograms by 2.204 to convert it to pounds. In the example, the brick weight is 2.204 x 1.476 = 3.253 pounds.
Things You'll Need
References
- Math.com: Volume Formulas
- Construction Materials, Methods, and Techniques; William Perkins Spence
- New York University: Volume, Mass and Density
About the Author
Oxana Fox is a freelance writer specializing in medicine and treatment, computer software and hardware, digital photography and financial services. She graduated from Moscow Medical College in 1988 with formal training in pediatrics.