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Most asked question from a would be house owner is always how many blocks do I need to get my building completed. Hence this topic is written with illustrations to make it easy for you to do
the calculations yourself from the plan your architect gave you.
The plan above is for a 2 bedroom bungallow, so we are going to start from the basics having in
mind these factors-
i)The lenght of a block is 0.45m or 450mm or 18″
ii)The width of thickness varies -150mm or 6″ and 225mm or 9″ which are most common.
ii)Taking for a general or average purpose, the blocks laid from foundation to dpc(german or
oversite concrete) is 4 coaches/levels. From dpc to the base of window another 4 coaches,from
base of window to top of window another 5 coaches, then from top of window to base of roof
another 3 coaches, neglecting the lintel or concrete on top of window.
Now with these parameters let calculate the plan above which has a wall of 150mm or 6″ all
through.
Add the length and breadth of the blockwall for external and internal
Therefore (A)9,400mm +9,600mm(B)+9400(C)+9600(D)=38,000mm or 38m
Now add the internal walls too
(Follow the grid lines and check the corresponding dimensions on plan remember 150mm is the
block width)
(Grid 7)150+3600+150+150+3600+150=7,800mm or 7.8m
(Grid 6)1350+150+2250+150+825+675+150=5,550mm or 5.55m
(Grid 1b)800+2400+1300+900+100=5,500mm or 5.5m
(Grid 2)2600+900+100+150+100+900+500+150=5,400mm or 5.4m
(Grid 3)1800+150+650+900+250+900+1450=6,100mm or 6.1m
(Grid 3b-Kitchen)900+50+1200+50+150=2,350 or 2.35m
(Grid 7b toilet)1800 or 1.8m
Total internal walls=34,500mm or 34.5m
Therefore Total walls=38,000mm +34,500mm=72,500mm or 72.5m
Now for the first 4 coaches to dpc level the wall will run right through, i.e the spaces for
doors or windows are not left out (n/b- blocks are used in relatively strong and stable soil not
waterlogged area that requires concrete instead).
Divide the sum by 450mm to know the numbers needed for one level/layer/coach of blocks
72,500/450=161 blocks
From dpc level to roof lets take the numbers of coaches to be 4+5+3=12 coaches
then multiply the numbers of blocks for each coach above by 12
161 x 12=1932 blocks
Don’t forget we have windows and doors spaces which we need to remove,for each window of 1200mm
take numbers of the block to be 14 (i.e 1200/230=5.2 and 1200/450=2.6 ,5.3 x2.6=14 approx
Now count the numbers of 1200mm windows and multiply by 14
Total numbers of 1200mm windows as counted on plan is 12 (note 2400mm window was taken as two of
1200mm window)
i.e 11 x 14 =154 blocks + 7 blocks for 600mm window for toilet. Total=161 blocks
Now calculate for doors,Numbers of blocks for a door of 900mm is 18.
height of a door(2100/225=9)+width of a door (900mm/450mm=2). so 9 x2 =18 blocks for each door.
Multiply 18 by numbers of doors=18 x8=144 blocks
Add 144+161=305 blocks,then remove from total blocks of 644 (for dpc) + 1932
Total numbers of blocks reqd=2,271 blocks
For a quick calculation, having the entire length to be 72,500mm. Take for a bungallow total
lenght from foundation to roof to be 1,200mm +3000mm=4200mm
Then calculate the surface area which is 72,500 x 4200 and convert to meters
72.5m x 4.2m=304.5m2
Remove surface areas of windows and doors
For window, height is 1.2m and total is 11
i.e 1.2m x 1.2m x 11=15.84m2 +0.6 x0.6(toilet window)=16.2m2
For doors, height is 2.1m while width is 0.9m
i.e 0.9 x 2.1 x 8(nos of doors)=15.12
Total area for doors and windows=16.2m2 +15.12m2=31.32m2
Remove 31.32m2 from 304.5m2=273.18m2
Now divide this by surface area of a block which is 0.225 x 0.45=0.10125
The blocks reqd caculated by this method is 273.18m2/0.10125=2,698 blocks
Note a difference of about 400 blocks from the two calculations. Of course you can’t get exactly
the numbers you need but the first method is close to it. And calculations are not 100% true
because of these factors
1-The mortar space was not considered
2-Blocks that will be wasted due to breakages e.t.c
man you a doing a wonderfull job but dont take out of the table for we engineers, but you a good keep it up
a chartered QS will calculate the same way. thank you for a job well done
Your works has being providing great information that are accurate. Thanks and God bless
I really like this. Thanks a lot.
Thank you.
what an emperical formaula. thank u
How many 6inches block and 9inches block can i use to raise two flats each with 3 bedroom from german floor level?
thank u for revealing this method of calculations, now i know what to plan and budget for my building.
can u train a layman briclayer
No I can’t but I have bricklayers such person can learn from.
Thanks
you dnt want the contractors to earn 4m thetr fruit.
This site is not to disenfranchise builders but is to encourage more Nigerians and Africa in general to build their own houses.
Thanks
Thanks, I have applied it and worked 97%.
Is great having people like you in this our part of the world.
Keep the flag flying.
Thank you.
This is simply brilliant! I am amazed! Thank you
Thanks
Knowledge is power and information a weapon when in the hands of the wise. Having the quality of information you are supplying on your site will definitely keep us ahead of fraudulent building contractors. But I dare to say that supervision can also go a long way in ensuring getting the right kind and quality of building services we require.
I prefer method 1 plus 10% to make up for differences and breakages. This would give us 2271*227=2498. Lets say 2500 blocks which is fair and much more realistic than method 2. I’ll write an excel prog to do this calculations for me for every plan. I will find a way to share when I do.
Man, you are doing a wonderful job. I wonder if there is any nigerian that can do this without asking for money. God will continue to bless you.
Please tell me, how many blocks can I use to put up a 4-bedroom flat.
Regds.
Martins
Man, dis is a free Engineering course online, u ar gud, keep d gud wk up
I appreciate what you have done and want to be informed well be the actual name of the levels of blocks laid i.e ‘coaches’ or courses? As a teacher I will assume all you said to be true and I do not see the interchanging of the above words to be okay for fear of misinformation. Keep up with the good work
I appreciate what you have done and want to be informed well about the actual name of the levels of blocks laid i.e ‘coaches’ or courses? As a teacher I will assume all you said to be true and I do not see the interchanging of the above words to be okay for fear of misinformation. Keep up with the good work,
I’m short of words, don’t know what to say to you, God Bless you for posting this but pls don’t remove anything from here as we engineers will always need it.
U doing a gud job.
THANKS FOR WELL DONE JOB.
Thank you for your practical knowledge inculcate in me.
This is very good!u have real orientation about building.thanks, u ar a blessing
I really enjoyed this online,thanks you ve really help me.
I credit you by all ur calculations and explanations. Even a novice will grab all your steps.you are really helpful to those outside there. Thanks for ur efforts.
hello guyz am Dan,a quantity surveyor in making.i must confess dis is brilliant its my job buh ur doin it so perfectly i learnt new tins 4rm u.kip it up.
An ideal builder dose’nt cheat. Please know that we calculate for un-avoidable waste thanks.
An ideal builder dose’nt cheat. Please know that we calculate for un-avoidable waste thanks. N.B. You did a nice job here
y dnt u teach every Nigerian hw to design building too
my point is stop making it too simple,let it be more technical so that its the real professionals or construction students it wil appeal to and boring/confusing to those who don’t have any business there. Let them get the service of professional!
Though, you’ve tried but want to remind building clients that they should avoid quack contractors, because they’ve no sound jobs to provide rather than waste products. For me I make sure I charge my various client what will due for my work expertise and render my best service to them. Honestly, all my client all over the globe love me and my artistic hand work. It is GOD’S doing. Cheers.
Infact i am very greatfull keep it up, because as a Building Student u have to know this.
Truely you are good and i love you
Thanks man. But I think there is a little mistake in the first calculation that changed the result of second calculation. You added the dpc blocks twice. Because if the total girth is 72500mm/450=161blocks per coach, multiply by 12coaches=1932.then diduct the openings which is 305=1627blocks. Then add 5% waste.
What a gr8 job well done, i am thrilled about this calculation, most esp. We in Building Technology, and also a Teacher of Brick, Blocklaying and concrete at GTC in Enugu, it has created a tremendious value to breake down my lession plan when it comes to calc. Of blocks, and i prefer mtd1. Kp d gud wrk.
Thanks.
pls i need answer to this question,how block should be lay into foundation before dpc.in your write up you put 4 coaches/levels but from my research i observe that 3 coaches of block is put into the foundation before dpc.pls any reaction to this
There is no standard on the numbers of block it depends on the design, topography or level of ground and what you can afford. You noticed this in your area because is highland.
Thanks very much Emma, for what you have describe on how to calculate a number of blocks in a plan, most of time i use to ask my friend to do it for me but now i thank you i will start to calculate my self.
keep it up
i love it.
Tanks i love ur article God bles u o
Pls sir, i want u 2 explain 2 me how to convert metre cubic to tones. eg 3.8m3 to tones how ll i go abt it sir….
Tankz 4 dis wonderfull work i am really impressd 2 see dat we hav compitent engineers like u. Keep up d civil engr. Flag flaying.
Sir,I am in need of suitable plan drawing for a land of 30ft by 120ft such that the frontage or half of the land is needed to be used for a four bedroom flat while the remaining half is needed for mini flat of room and parlour,kitchen toilet and bath en suite.And the cost for the accomplishment of the project.
Weldone a very good submission you have and highly educating , the only observation though is the layer of block is “course” and not “coach” as you kept repeating believe it must be a typo .
You save a society if not a world for this highlights. More than a job well done. Thank you so much man.
Its good for every 1 to learn d basics, howeva, I must caution here dat drwns r not always tis simple and a Civil Engr. must be consulted when d need arises.
Thats great of you. Its very helpfull to some of us who are practicing as quantity surveyors. Bravo
Hi Emma,
I av bn receiving ur e-mails, thanks so much. I av a worry that your site posts are too simple, please be more tecnical, you are rather strenghtening the arm of quacks. There are professionals in the field, thanks.
Thanks for this work.
I must commend u, u did a nice job and calculations here, but u did not deduct the Lintels(concrete work) because they are not block work. If u do thatu will get the acurate number of blocks required. Thanks
I really appreciate your calculations and don’t even bordered to pay attention to some people’s crazy comment you did this because you wanted many people success in life only GOD can pay you back all your effort of generocity,may GOD bless you,your family and your unborne generations thank you sooooo much.
thanks 4 d good job
An excellent task, very simple and understandable
U did a very wonderful job. God will continue to guide u.s.
sir,you are amazing pouring your beautiful mind out without a kobo.
God is watching you don`t worry
Thanks. An easier way is just to keep in mind that ‘for every 10 feet, 6 blocks are required. Hence cal the total length of the wall, multiply by 6 and divide by 10. Example for the length of 72500mm equals to 238feet. Now no of bloks =237*6/10 =143(each coache) now for 16 coache =143*16=2288. This has taken kia of d space for mortar. Just subtract the no of bloks for doors and windows. Hope this will be helpful
nice job.i hv learnt alot.kip it up
If we have 1/10 of you kind of person then this world will be a better place, you are really “EMMANUEL”. May GOD bless you.
I really appreciate dis wounderful informatns giving By U my Honorable Emma Do. Thanks keep it up.
My dear, I appreciate your good wood. Your information is helping lay men to have rudimentary knowledge about building so that they will not be cheated out completely. God bless you mightily.
it helps a lot to have people like you thank you very much.
I pray God 4 his gr8t wisdom on u. Pls forward dis page 2 my e-mail box. Tnks
your enlightment on this simple small building plan would definately encouraged sincere and honest building contractors.
gud job! u did well keep it up an God will improve u an ur tarlent
Man you are doing a great job here, never look or mind your critics they are cowards, keep it up.
good job….well done
i need a q.s to train me so that i can become an expert on estimating, kindly hook me up with one.
@Ife you can call this man Q.S Olayode-08023127251
wel done
U’v done a gud job of educating us.bt wat is dpc and oversite concrete,how can one achieve d foundations 2 oversite concrete,is hard core important.
thanks this is a study material, God bless u.
D great Qty-Syr, dats what you are. Keep it up
Quite encouraging. I am glad i looked this up, really educative, God would widen your knowledge more.Thank you
Its nice. Am a Qs undergraduate. I love what u are doing. God bless u. Pls enlighten us on celin and noggings
I must confess you are my God sent, have been battled with this for a year. This is a good job.you are the first person to give analysis or details of what have been willing to know thanKs so much you are the best by God grace.
Thanks Sadiq, I am happy you find the information useful.
Well, am really fulfilled for this calculations .this would help me out for all my proposed plan of putting up some structures.
Well done and may God reward u aboundantly
This gives me great encouragement to build. Never mind Nigerians who are overwhelmed by the cheating culture will not like this but keep it up. God will amazingly reward you and many genuine people will come paying you for this services you give out free. Imagine how many building students appreciate this. Keep it up.
Very educative for prospective house owners. Thanks
You have done a great job keep it up
What a good job you have done here, but please let me know how many blocks will be needed for a 3-bedroom flat
Realy amazing explainations here. As a building student,I must confess that it help me in my exams work and still is. ChEers!
i really loved this, thank u.
i lack word to say, bu thanks it realy works
I wld want 2knw if u entertain calls c0s I’ve sent a number 0f unreplied messages 2u b0rdering 0n hw I culd be abs0rb in ur firm as an Intern 0r link 2 an0ther pr0fessi0nal, still an Undergraduate 0f Building wt d zeal 0f acquiring kn0wledge!
am very happy for this thank so much.more grace to your elbow.
ur rilly doing a gud job here, kip it up
Oh, at last a complete solution,am very greatful for your wisdom,little but mighty,thanks and God bless. Bravo…..
Hw do i caculate hw mny blck’s, depending on the building plan?
Nice work man. With method two just multiply your total area by 9. because 9 blocks(both 6″&9″) make 1sqm.
You people are trying alot thanks for that.what is the standard measurement of a head room.
Mr Emma, u are blessed
Tnx 4 d info,it gives prospective home owner insight to a meanful planning & estimate
you’ve done an excellent work my man,you don’t know how much you’ve helped me out. i’ll like to subscribe to your page or website if there is any for more info. thank you my man
u are doing serious work on quantities of materials which QS will not revealed to people.Thanks so much for a GREAT JOB.
U hav impact a lot in my memory .thanks
08026228682. omionick@gmail.com
Plz can i hav ur contact
Wow, this is brilliant. One could self build. Have considered putting together a “fool’s” guide to self build, of course one would have professionals to certify each stage of the construction.
Thank you mate, if anything at all this gives one some idea of costs and would help improve relation with builders / contractors.
exactly wot i need for my project. much thx Just found out bou ds. Check dis out. Am inviting u to Make money while on break now……..http://www.Paynized.com/?invite=43057
Nice one,it of great help to users “gratias”
Gud job.Bt ma research says there should b three coaches before dpc
This is a nice job
Nice, great analysis
Dis is a great idea, u are a true icon in building. Pls keep it up. Thanks.
next work indeed, keep it up
This is a brilliant work you have done here and d fact dt it’s free makes you an hero.
I was so eager to know how many blocks and bags of cement I’ll need for this little project of mine so as to budget d little fund I ve for dis project and to maximize it. I was propelled to google so ur site appeared on d results and it’s really helpful.
I followed d history of this post and realized dt it was posted in 2010 and still receives comments and readership till dis moment. Holy God can reward u for dis. I can’t wait to ve d e-mail in my inbox.
Wow! You have just done my engineering a whole lot of good. God bless you. Am bookmarking your blog right away, then I’ll preach your gospel to my young engineering friends/colleagues.
With all sincerity and appreciation, you have done a remarkable job. I just goggle this question, not knowing a valuable resource like this from a Nigerian will be available on the web. One does not need rocket science to understand every bit of what you have itemized here. It has given any serious minded fellow an estimate of what it takes to have a house. More grease to your efforts. For those complaining about professionalism, the author of the article has rightly pointed out that this piece is not a substitute for professional jobs. It serves a mere purpose of guiding prospective house owners. Once again, many thanks.
Good job bro. Thanks.
that’s a good one. i have learned a lot from this
plz i need a 4 bedroom bungalow (en-suite) plan. you can reach me on 08034974094
Thanks for these piece of information, I would loved to call you, I want to learn more.
exellent!! Oga engineer you deserve one bottle of beer, what a fascinating explanation! I love it,
God bless you
Excellent!!! Engineer you deserve a bottle of beer, What a fascinating delivery, i love it.
Man thanks a lot for this, i will be calling on you more times
this was nice of you .the 1st method was very clear and understanding and thats the method i kno . thanks and God bless
Well its was a nice job, but please try and make it more complicating xo dat dose of us who did as a professional course and are eating wit it wil not go hungry, dnt 4get dey are praising u but dey woud never open up derez 4 u to know, wisdom is required boss. wel done all d same, wit dis i rest my case..
Man Thanks for this i has see a lot of a thing from this
lovely can u pls post about architects fee i want to know how to charge my clients
Dear Engr,
You are a blessing to your generations and God will reward you for this. Only few people like you can do this for free without charging money.I am saying this because so many people has been misled , ,swindled or duped by quack architect/builder just because you know nothing about building. Imagine someone giving me a bill of 3million to build 3bedroom flat just because i dont reside in the country? Anyway thaks to people like you. May God crown you handwork. this just gives me perfect idea on what to plan for. Thanks….
May God continually bless d labour of ur hands.cos of u am well informed.
U really done a gr8 job here but wat about d blocks 4 4 bedroom flaT
You are really doing good job here, I just want to add little formula which will be easier. As we have know the total lenght to be 72.5 and the height of the building to be 4.2 from substructure and surface area of a block to be 0.10125, then building surface area can be 72.5*4.2=304.5.10125= 3007 then remove the surface area of the doors and windows which total 644 I.e 3007-644=2363.4blocks
Total lenght multiply by height divided by block surface area,remove doors and windows surface area. I.e 72.5 * 4.2=304.5.10125=3007- 644 = 2363
how about volume of cement for the plan above
Great job, you must be an architecture? keep the good work going, thumb up for u.
good job man,but u 4got some details that 85% of block industry in the country uses 8’/420 as 9’/450,at the end of the day u en canter more numbers of block as result ur calculations.u also incure more cost of material,b’cos u use more mortar,cement 2 add strength 2 blocks.address the issue blocks then ur calculation perfect.well done.
My spouse and I stumbled over here by a different website and thought I
might check things out. I like what I see so now i’m
following you. Look forward to checking out your web page
again.
I like this work
Thanks. Is nice
Need I say more? Will work to develop this in my own way.i thank you.
Gr8.keep it up.
I appreciate the job well done. God bless you real good for imparting knowledge on us. But pls how many blocks and cement will take us from DPC to roofing stage. Just want to work towards it before starting as not to get stucked. Please email me. So i can have your email and communicate very well. Thanks.
I appreciate the job well done. God bless you real good for imparting knowledge on us. But please how many blocks and cement will take us from DPC to roofing stage for 3 or 4 bedroom flat? Just want to work towards it before starting as not to get stucked. Please email me. So i can have your email and communicate very well. Thanks.
I learnt this in Tertiary bt it was just highlights and you’ve made it simple and clear…Well done. I’m bit confused with coaches but I understand quite well that each and every country has got its own technical words but meaning the same thing. Anyway thanks buddy
This is the ever keep it up i love you men.
Hello sir,
I am happy for this wonderful Job. God Bless you more.
Please can let know how many blocks to build 4 Bed rooms as in the link http://www.legacyestatesib.com/inc/LegacyEstates_Home1a.pdf .
Regards
Thanks a lot .Your calculations are steps towards a good quantification.However, to make it more technical, you need to work well on the concrete work;all the lintels must be deducted and 2/2of corners and all the recceses as well. In short, i love ur courage … But for those who posted here,asking for the numbers of blocks they would use for 2bdrms, 3bdrms and 4 bdrms,where are your building plans ? You should know that designs and sizes differ from eah other.You must also provide the topographical information of you site.THANK GREAT BUILDERS!
You are great for posting this information
You are trying, keep it up boy, I will really love to use you.
need clarification regarding the total nos.of layers from the foundation to the roof.
Earlier mentioned above 4 layers from base to dpc level.4 layers from dpc to base of window,5 layers from base of window to top of window and 3 layers from base of window to top.This will add up to 16 layers.
but the calculation below mentioned only 4+5+3=12 layers why is this so bearing in mind later windows deducted.kindly clarify.
what is the height of the building?as i can see mentioned as 4.2m can this concur withe number of layers mentioned?
thanks
I enjoyed this
Thanks and God bless U sir.
Thanks.
Good work.
guy, u try God bless u
Thanks man. U have made my I.T great for this that i have learned.
Thanks a lot for this fabulous information. God will continuing to enlarge your coast. thanks again.
Thanks so much u really help me
This looks great.. Please i need advice from everyone on 4 bedroom bungalow.. any positive advice is welcome.. from Blocks, Cements, Rods, etc..
Great Job, its amazing how many mason/bricklayer or QS will fumble through wrong calculations and give an overly high estimates of blocks for a single flat and result into over quantity and wastage. Its hard to understand why they cant learn from past quantity quotes or just follow a simple calculations like yours. Its amazing also that you will find out 85% of those who checked or posted a comment here are individuals house owners or prospective ones and not bricklayers/ building contractors themselves because its either most of them are not digital-information literate or are not willing to improve on their mistakes.
I will share my mobile app for calculating quantity of all kinds of bricks and iron rods or cement for building per space soon, am working on it. check back all.
Nice one. God bless you sir
Please sir, as an upcoming engineer, how can estimate the total cost of a building project to a potential client and prepare my bill of quantity.
I will be ever grateful if you can help me to solve this quotation challenge. Thanks
really gud
I don’t know I can find someone who can explain dis.thank dat u are not a fish seller man; dis great. thanks Prof.
plz do u have a text book or any material on this for sale. plz I will like to have it. my contact No. 08139627398 or email: cwavetech111@gmail.com… thanks a bunch for this wonderful knowledge sheared
Well done emma,I need ur mail n ur digit. Send 2 owoeye_taiwo@yahoo.co.uk thks
omionick@gmail.com 08026228682
bros you are wonderful God bless you. pls can i call you on phone for private talk?
yes . 08026228682
Honestly you did a great and wonderful work unknown to professionals of different field,for all those requesting for analysis onbreakdownof number of blocks to be used in their respective buildings, let me make this known to all sundry, building price and estimating analysis isn’t based on just mere assumptions, you must provide a good and reputable plans, because not all structures are builderable,you must provide a good plan so as to give insight to the quantity surveyor to analyse it for you,let me use this medium to correlate my works to all,i design good structures, be it bungalows, duplex, residential or commercial buildings.you can reach me 08030497621.imo state. That’s where i based.builders build right.
Thank
I love dis explanation
It is interested and admireable job,i really thank you sir for your understanding towards this job. I am a freshed building technology student of federal polytecnic Ado, i have question to asked which goes, hwo can i get the easier way of calculating a 4bedroom boungallow?
great job done. God bless you
Honestly, I must confess, this is d best building construction class ave ever attended. Keep it up, please
Sir, you did a wonderful job here, I was worried and I google the required number of blocks, and I was taken straight to your site, you have lessen my burden and I now got the clearer picture and as a layman, I think I have learnt a lot from the responses as well, God will continue blessing you
nice job. but this can be achieved with professionals such as builder,arch ,est survyor, civil engr. pls am using dis medium to be telling nigerians dat is better to engage experts dan rely on bricklayer alone bcos building is a life project. with moral aggrement and little fees u can achieve it. am builder hammed mayowa 08062451800. thank
Man, pls I’d like you to tell me an agreeable ammount a builder could charge a client in order for the client to have the satisfaction that he is not over paying and the builder himself is sure that he’s not cheated?
Is there also a formula for calculating a builder’s own fee regardless the type/kind of building?
This I call a well done job! Thumb up…
Nice work