Build a material schedule for a specified column or landscape post. Enter matching or alternating course patterns, keep each body product on its own row and see caps as a separate order item. The named AB Courtyard example uses its own proprietary units.
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How this calculator works
Courses per column = specified body height ÷ course height, rounded up. Odd courses use Pattern A and even courses use Pattern B. Count each product in both patterns, multiply by the column count and round its allowance separately. Caps are a separate order line.
The named preset is an AB Courtyard landscape post pattern. It is not a generic arrangement for hollow CMU or a structural column design.
Use a published arrangement or your specified unit schedule
A column can use dedicated column units, corner units or another documented combination. Enter the actual quantities shown in the arrangement. Dividing the outer perimeter by a standard block length cannot establish how its corners fit.
The named AB Courtyard preset uses four proprietary Corner Blocks per course, alternates their arrangement between courses and uses two Post Caps at the top. Its published reference course height is 6 in. These data apply to that product system, not to a generic four block arrangement of ordinary rectangular CMU.
For a custom schedule, add one row for each body product and enter its quantity in Pattern A and Pattern B. Identical patterns can have equal quantities. Different products, left and right units or finish variants should have separate identifiers even when their dimensions match.
Separate block shaft height from caps and base
Courses = specified block shaft height ÷ laid course height, rounded up.
Use the actual course height for dry product systems, or the actual unit height plus the specified bed joint for mortared masonry. Caps, base pads and any separate foundation are outside the block shaft height unless the entered detail explicitly includes them.
Rounding to a whole course can increase the calculated shaft height. Check that the resulting height matches the project instead of assuming the final course can always be cut shorter. A requested overall height should first be separated into the block portion and its other components.
Count each product type before applying an allowance
The schedule begins with Pattern A. For five courses, A appears three times and B appears twice. For six courses, each pattern appears three times. The calculator uses one supplied uniform course height; a project with varying course heights should be separated into matching sections.
Base units of one product = (A courses × units in Pattern A + B courses × units in Pattern B) × columns. Apply the chosen body allowance after adding that product, then round its order up. Different products are rounded separately because each must be ordered in whole units.
| Supplied product | Units in A | Units in B | Base units | Order at 5% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product 1 | 3 | 2 | (3 × 3 + 2 × 2) × 2 = 26 | 28 |
| Product 2 | 1 | 2 | (3 × 1 + 2 × 2) × 2 = 14 | 15 |
The base total is 40 body units, but the two product orders total 43 after separate rounding. This is an arithmetic example from supplied counts; it does not propose that those products fit together in a column. Caps remain a separate quantity, rather than being hidden inside the body allowance.
Use documented voids when calculating fill
The volume inside a column's outer rectangle includes block material as well as any void. It is not the quantity of grout or aggregate to order.
If the detail calls for fill, obtain the net void volume for the actual arrangement. It may contain a central space, hollow unit cells or both. Count each region once and apply only the filling schedule specified for that product and column.
Convert documented total fill volume to bags using the selected fill product's published mixed yield. Do not use ordinary concrete bag yields for every grout product. The block fill calculator explains product yield and void volume inputs.
Keep the specified fill per whole course associated with the actual arrangement. Multiply that documented volume by courses and columns. A general core fill estimate must not substitute the outer rectangle occupied by the column. If you need bag quantities, carry the relevant fill volume into the fill calculator and select the actual grout yield.
Worked example using the named landscape post system
The AB Courtyard guide shows four Corner Blocks per course with alternating arrangements. For the preset material example, two posts each have a specified 36 in body height and a 6 in course height.
- 36 ÷ 6 = six courses per post, with three A courses and three B courses.
- (3 × 4 + 3 × 4) × 2 = 48 Corner Blocks before spare stock.
- A chosen 5% body allowance gives 50.4, rounded up to 51 Corner Blocks.
- Two Post Caps per post give four Post Caps as a separate finish quantity.
- Caps add their own product height beyond the 36 in block body.
Use the published pattern for this system. The material arithmetic does not establish a safe height, base, gate connection or structural specification for another product.
Match the estimate to what the column will support
A landscape post, gate post and structural building column have different requirements. This quantity calculator does not establish axial capacity, wind resistance, reinforcement, footing dimensions or the suitability of a gate or rail attachment.
Before ordering, check the product name, course pattern, shaft height, unit counts by type, caps and documented fill schedule. Use the block size guide to confirm dimensional terms and the block cost calculator to price the final purchase list.
Common questions
Can I assume every square column needs four standard blocks per course?
No. The number depends on the unit shape and documented arrangement. The four unit manufacturer example on this page uses proprietary AB Courtyard Corner Blocks, not ordinary rectangular CMU.
Does the column height include the cap?
The course calculation uses the block shaft height. Treat the cap and base as separate components unless your entered detail explicitly combines them.
What if alternate courses use different units?
Use a separate row for each body product and enter its quantity in Pattern A and Pattern B. The tool starts with A, so an odd number of courses contains one more A course. It adds and rounds each product order separately.
How much concrete or grout goes inside a block column?
Use the documented net void volume for the actual arrangement and the specified fill schedule. Outer column volume includes the blocks themselves and will overstate fill if treated as an empty box.
Will this calculator tell me whether a column can carry a roof or gate?
No. It totals the supplied material arrangement. Load capacity, reinforcement, foundations and attachments require the relevant project design.
Why can the ordered total exceed one rounded overall block count?
Separate products must each be bought in whole units. Applying the allowance and rounding each product can create more total spare units than rounding one combined quantity. The itemized order shows where those units belong.
Sources and product references
Named product references support the examples. Confirm the currently supplied dimensions, yields and purchasing conditions before ordering.
- Allan Block AB Courtyard installation guidePrinted pages 12 to 13 give reference products and course heights; printed pages 18 to 19 show the proprietary four Corner Block post patterns and two Post Caps.
- CMHA concrete masonry unit shapes and sizesPrimary context for the variety of masonry unit shapes. It does not validate a generic column pattern or a load capacity.