Summary
- The main types of bricks used in India are burnt clay bricks, fly ash bricks, AAC blocks, and concrete blocks.
- The standard brick size in India is 190 x 90 x 90 mm. With a 10 mm mortar joint, this works out to a nominal size of 200 x 100 x 100 mm.
- Clay and concrete blocks suit load-bearing walls. AAC blocks are best for lightweight infill walls. Fly ash bricks work well for partition and external walls.
The different types of bricks in India are burnt clay brick, fly ash brick, AAC block, concrete (solid/hollow) block, and sun-dried/unburnt bricks. Today, these bricks are common across many homes and apartments. Each type of brick works differently. Based on the requirements of the project, the right brick type is chosen.
This guide explains in detail the main types of bricks used in India. You can know which one will be best suited for different walls.
How Are Bricks Classified?
The bricks in India are differentiated based on the material and the quality grade.
By material:
- Clay bricks are commonly used in India.
- Fly ash bricks are made using industrial by-products.
- AAC blocks are made from aerated concrete.
- Concrete blocks are made from cement and aggregates.
- By manufacture
- Sun-dried bricks are not burnt and have low strength. Burnt clay bricks are made by firing clay in a kiln, making them strong.
By quality grade: Burnt clay bricks are graded into 3 classes:
- First class: Strong and suitable for exposed and load-bearing work.
- Second class: May have slight surface irregularities. Suitable for walls that will be plastered.
- Third class: Made with a rough finish and mainly used for temporary work.
What Are the Main Types of Bricks Used in India?
The most common types of bricks used in Indian construction are burnt clay bricks, fly ash bricks, AAC blocks, and concrete blocks.
| Brick Type | Key Trait | Strength and Use | Indicative ₹ per Piece |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burnt clay brick | Traditional red brick | Good strength; all-round masonry | 8 to 15 |
| Fly ash brick | Industrial by-product, smooth finish | Uniform size; less plaster needed | 6 to 12 |
| AAC block | Lightweight, large block | Light and insulating; fast wall construction | 40 to 70 per block |
| Concrete block (solid or hollow) | Cement-based block | High strength; compound and load-bearing walls | 30 to 60 per block |
| Sun-dried or unburnt brick | Cheapest option | Low strength; temporary or rural use only | Low |
Prices are given approximately as of 2026. These prices may vary by city and order size. Check the latest price before buying.
Burnt Clay Bricks
Burnt clay bricks are made from natural clay and then fired in a kiln. This process makes them strong and suitable for construction.
First-class burnt clay bricks have a minimum compressive strength of 10.5 N/mm² as per IS 1077. They are commonly used for foundations or exposed brickwork.
Clay brick walls are usually plastered on both sides. Since clay bricks absorb more water, the walls should be cured properly after construction.
Best for: Load-bearing walls, foundation work, and general masonry.
Read our Plastering Guide to understand how much plaster a clay brick wall needs.
Fly Ash Bricks
Fly ash bricks are made from fly ash, lime, and gypsum. Fly ash is a by-product of coal-fired power plants. Using it to make bricks is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional clay.
- Fly ash
- A fine powder collected from the flue gases of coal-fired power plants. When mixed with lime and gypsum and compressed, it forms a strong, smooth brick.
Fly ash bricks have a more uniform size than clay bricks. This means truer walls and less mortar and plaster required. They also absorb less water than clay bricks.
Best for: Best for partition walls and external walls with a smooth finish.
AAC Blocks (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete)
AAC blocks are large, lightweight blocks made from cement, fly ash, lime, and aluminium powder. Tiny air pockets inside the blocks make them much lighter than regular bricks.
AAC block: AAC stands for Autoclaved Aerated Concrete. It is a lightweight building block with tiny air holes inside. These blocks are made in a special steam chamber to make them strong.
AAC blocks are larger than regular bricks so that walls can be built faster. They also help keep rooms cooler by reducing heat from outside.
AAC blocks are fixed using a special block adhesive instead of regular cement mortar. If you want to hang heavy items like cupboards or TVs, you need special fasteners because AAC blocks do not grip screws as firmly as clay bricks.
Best for: Non-load-bearing infill walls in framed buildings and high-rise construction.
Concrete Blocks (Solid and Hollow)
Concrete blocks are made from cement, sand, and aggregate. They come in two forms: solid blocks and hollow blocks.
Solid concrete blocks are dense and heavy. They are very strong and suit compound walls, boundary walls, and load-bearing walls.
Hollow concrete blocks have hollow spaces inside, which makes them lighter than solid blocks. These spaces can also be used to run electrical wires and plumbing pipes or be filled with concrete when needed.
Best for: Compound walls and load-bearing block construction.
Read our guide on Concrete Mix Ratios and get to know which concrete grade to use when filling hollow concrete blocks.
Other Brick Types
- Engineering bricks
- Very strong clay bricks that absorb very little water. They are used in drains, damp-proof courses, and places exposed to water or harsh weather.
- Calcium-silicate bricks
- Also called sand-lime bricks, are made from sand and lime. They have a smooth finish and uniform colour but are not commonly used in India.
- Eco or interlocking bricks
- Made from compressed earth or concrete. They fit together easily with little or no mortar and are becoming a popular choice for sustainable construction.
What Is the Standard Size of a Brick in India?
A standard brick in India measures 190 × 90 × 90 mm. Once a 10 mm mortar joint is added around it, the size used for construction becomes 200 × 100 × 100 mm.
- Actual size
- The real dimensions of the brick without mortar.
- Nominal size
- The actual size plus the mortar joint. Used for planning and estimating.
Knowing this difference helps when reading building plans and calculating materials. Building plans use the size with the mortar joint, while the actual brick is slightly smaller to leave space for the mortar.
| Brick or Block | Actual Size (mm) | Approx (inches) | Nominal with Mortar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Indian IS clay brick | 190 x 90 x 90 | 7.5 x 3.5 x 3.5 | 200 x 100 x 100 mm |
| Common red brick (regional) | 230 x 110 x 70 | 9 x 4.5 x 3 | Varies |
| Fly ash brick (common) | 230 x 110 x 75 | 9 x 4.3 x 3 | Varies |
| AAC block (typical) | 600 x 200 x 100 to 300 | 24 x 8 x 4 to 12 | Not applicable |
| Concrete block (typical) | 400 x 200 x 100 to 200 | 16 x 8 x 4 to 8 | Not applicable |
Brick sizes can vary by region and manufacturer. Always measure a few bricks from your batch before estimating the quantity. Standard IS bricks have a fixed size, but red bricks sold in Bengaluru and many other parts of South India may be slightly different.
As a general estimate, about 500 standard bricks are needed for 1 cubic metre of brickwork. The exact number may vary based on the mortar mix and wastage, so check before ordering materials.
Which Brick Should You Use?
Clay and concrete blocks are the right choice for load-bearing walls. AAC blocks are the right choice for lightweight infill walls. Fly ash bricks are the right choice when you want a smooth, economical wall that needs less plaster.
| Factor | Clay Brick | Fly Ash Brick | AAC Block |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | Heavy | Heavy | Light |
| Thermal insulation | Moderate | Moderate | High |
| Wall construction speed | Slower | Slower | Faster (large block) |
| Plaster required | More | Less | Less |
| Best for | Load-bearing walls | Economy partition walls | Infill walls in framed buildings |
Clay bricks need more mortar and plaster. AAC blocks need thin-bed adhesive instead of regular mortar. Fly ash bricks are the most forgiving to work with because of their uniform size.
The right choice depends on the type of wall you are building and your project requirements.
Read our guide on Types of Cement in India to choose the right cement for brickwork and mortar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard brick size in India in mm and inches?
The standard brick size in India is 190 × 90 × 90 mm (about 7.5 × 3.5 × 3.5 inches). With a 10 mm mortar joint, the size used for construction becomes 200 × 100 × 100 mm. Brick sizes can vary by region, so it is always a good idea to measure a sample before buying.
Which type of brick is strongest for house construction?
For load-bearing walls, first-class burnt clay bricks and solid concrete blocks are commonly used because they are very strong. First-class clay bricks have a minimum compressive strength of 10.5 N/mm² as per IS 1077. For non-load-bearing walls, AAC blocks and fly ash bricks are also a good choice.
Clay brick vs AAC block: which should I use?
Use clay bricks for load-bearing walls and foundation work because strength is important. Use AAC blocks for walls in RCC frame buildings where you need lighter weight and better heat insulation. AAC blocks are mostly used in apartments and high-rise buildings.
What are fly ash bricks and are they good?
Fly ash bricks are made from different materials like fly ash, lime, and gypsum. They are an eco-friendly alternative to clay bricks because they are made using industrial waste. They absorb less water than clay bricks and are commonly used for partition and external walls.
What is the difference between nominal and actual brick size?
A standard IS brick is 190 × 90 × 90 mm. During construction, a mortar joint is added around the brick, increasing the working size to 200 × 100 × 100 mm. This is the size used in drawings and quantity estimates, while the brick itself remains smaller to allow space for the mortar.
How many bricks are needed per cubic metre of wall?
Approximately 500 standard IS bricks are needed per cubic metre of brickwork. This is a thumb rule for brickwork in 1:6 cement-sand mortar with 10 mm joints. The actual number varies with mortar thickness and brick size. Be sure of the quantity before ordering.
Choose the Right Brick for Your Project
For any type of construction, it is necessary to know the right brick type needed. Go for clay or concrete blocks for load-bearing walls. Use AAC blocks for lightweight infill walls in framed structures. And use fly ash bricks when you want a uniform, economical wall with less plaster.
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