Calculate your result
Quick answer
Multiply reinforcement run length by the number of identical walls and specified layers. Add the required laps, detail lengths and cutting allowance, then divide by the actual roll length and round up. A 20 m roll is common in South African listings, but confirm the label. Width, wire diameter and layer spacing must match the specification.
How it works
Use this brickforce calculator for South Africa to estimate reinforcement length, full rolls and a cost from your quote. Enter the specified layer count and run lengths, choose a lap allowance method and confirm the actual roll length. Calculate each width and product separately before combining your order.
Formula
Base metres = identical runs × run length × specified layers. Required metres = (base metres + entered lap length + extra detail length) × (1 + allowance/100). Rolls = required metres ÷ roll length, rounded up.
Assumptions and common mistakes
Check units, input values and the method before relying on an estimate. Review the existing tool notes and official sources below.
Formula
Base metres = identical runs × run length × specified layers. Required metres = (base metres + entered lap length + extra detail length) × (1 + allowance/100). Rolls = required metres ÷ roll length, rounded up.
| Quantity | Calculation |
|---|---|
| Base length | Identical runs × length × layers |
| Explicit lap metres | Total lap joints × entered lap mm ÷ 1000 |
| Full rolls | Required metres ÷ labelled roll length, rounded up |
| Entered budget | Full rolls × quoted roll price + delivery |
What is brickforce and what is it used for?
Brickforce is steel wire masonry reinforcement placed in mortar bed joints. It helps distribute tensile stresses and control cracking when used as part of the specified wall system. It does not guarantee a crack-free wall or replace sound foundations, movement details, lintels, ties or an appropriate structural design.
How to use the brickforce calculator
Use the number of reinforcement layers shown on the project specification. Enter the number of identical runs and the length of each run. For different lengths or products, calculate them separately and combine matching stock only. Add detail runs around openings, corners and other specified positions as extra metres. Do not assume every opening simply removes reinforcement length.
How to calculate brickforce laps and cutting
Allowance-only mode adds one percentage to base run length plus your extra detail metres. The explicit-lap option adds the total number of joints multiplied by the specified lap length, then applies your allowance for cutting only. Count joints across the whole entered project. Do not include the same laps both explicitly and in the extra percentage. The calculator does not choose a compliant lap length or optimise the cutting schedule.
Worked example: metres and rolls
Two identical 10 m runs with eight layers give 160 m before extras. With no separate detail length and an example 10% allowance, the requirement is 176 m. At 20 m per roll, nine rolls supply 180 m. An alternative example with eight total lap joints of 300 mm, no detail length and 5% cutting gives 170.52 m, still nine 20 m rolls. These lap and allowance figures illustrate arithmetic, not installation requirements.
Brickforce sizes: 75 mm, 150 mm and 230 mm
These numbers describe reinforcement strip width, not roll length or wire diameter. South African suppliers list products in these widths, but availability and specifications vary. The selected width is an order label and does not change the metre calculation. Never choose a width solely from this calculator; confirm wall geometry, cover, wire diameter, finish and the specified reinforcement product.
How long is a roll of brickforce?
20 m rolls appear in South African manufacturer and retailer listings. Other lengths and product forms exist, so enter the length on the exact label or quote. Strip width is measured in mm and longitudinal roll length in m. Do not multiply a 20 m roll by the number of longitudinal wires: a roll provides 20 m of reinforcement strip.
Brickforce price and roll cost
Enter your current quoted price per roll and any delivery charge on a consistent basis, including any applicable VAT. Cost is full rolls multiplied by the entered roll price, plus delivery once. Zero prices mean no product quotation has been supplied. The result excludes labour, accessories and other work. No national brickforce wire price list for 2026 is assumed.
Builders and Build it comparisons
99tools is independent of Builders and Build it. Compare the same width, wire diameter, coating, roll length and product specification, using current store quotes. A cheaper roll is not automatically a cheaper equivalent product. Check quote validity, stock and delivery before ordering.
Optional interval estimate
The geometric option counts complete repeated intervals from the base using wall height, course height including the bed joint and your entered courses between positions. It does not add a layer at the base or above the wall. Use specified layers where the actual schedule differs. A zero result is a geometric count, not advice to omit reinforcement.
Last reviewed: 15 October 2026. Reviewed by the 99tools team. Editorial and corrections policy.
Quantity estimates only. Product suitability, wall stability and any structural design must be confirmed for the job.
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Frequently asked questions
What is brickforce?
Brickforce is steel wire reinforcement installed in masonry mortar bed joints. It helps distribute tensile stresses and control cracking within a specified wall system.
How do I calculate brickforce?
Multiply run length by identical runs and specified layers, then add required laps, detail lengths and a cutting allowance. Divide by roll length and round up full rolls.
How long is a roll of brickforce?
20 m rolls are common in South African listings, but use the actual labelled length of your selected product. Width in mm is a separate measurement.
How much is brickforce wire?
Price depends on the product, width, wire diameter, coating, supplier and date. Enter a current price per roll to calculate your material and delivery budget.
What do 75 mm, 150 mm and 230 mm mean?
They describe strip width. They do not state the roll length or prove suitability for a particular wall; use the specified product.
How should I use brickforce in a wall?
Follow the project and manufacturer instructions for the product, positions, mortar bedding, cover, laps and detailing. This calculator counts an entered schedule and does not set those requirements.
Does the calculator set reinforcement spacing or laps?
No. Enter the specified layers and lap information. The optional course-interval calculation is a geometric estimate only.
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Helpful guides
What Is Brickforce? Uses, Sizes and Roll Length
Understand brickforce reinforcement, width, wire diameter and roll length before measuring an order in South Africa.
Brickforce Prices: Compare Roll Quotes in South Africa
Compare brickforce roll quotes by width, wire size, finish and length. Calculate your material budget without relying on an outdated price list.