Cinder blocks are available in different dimensions measured in Concrete Masonry Units (CMU),
The actual size of most cinder blocks is determined by their depth,
such as the resulting wall thickness.
The 4-inch dimension indicates that the cinder block is 4 inches wide.
The overall dimension of any standard-sized rectangular block is represented in terms of height, width, and length.
Standard sizes for most cinder blocks are 16 x 8 x 8 inches, including the thickness of the mortar.
If we ignore the thickness of the mortar joints, the actual measurements of the cinder blocks are ⅜ inches less than their standard size.
Therefore, mortar joints are typically ⅜ inch thick, which adds to the standard size of cinder blocks.
In addition to their standard size,
cinder blocks are also available in different dimensions and shapes that can be used in various construction projects.
However the standard size of cinder blocks is widely used in any large construction project.
Dimensions of different cinder blocks
When it comes to choosing the right bricks, there are different dimensions you can consider for your building project.
4 inch
The 4 inch dimension of cinder blocks is represented by a 4 inch width.
The length can range from 8 inches to 16 inches,
while the breathing length usually ranges from 4 to 8 inches.
If we take into account the nominal sizes of cinder blocks.
As far as the shape of cinder blocks is concerned, they can be solid pavement or hollow pavement.
So while choosing the 4 inch dimensions,
it is best to take into consideration the shape of the cinder blocks for your project.
Moreover, you can also calculate how many cinder blocks you will need based on the difference between their actual size and nominal size.
6 inch
Complete cinder blocks measure 6 inches wide, 8 inches high, and 16 inches long.
Its nominal size is represented as 6 x 8 x 16 inches which indicates its width,
height and length respectively.
However their actual size will be ⅜ inch less, leaving room for grout joints.
These blocks are also available in a 6 inch half size where the width and height remain the same, but the length of the cinder blocks is 8 inches.
Both full blocks and 6-inch half blocks are available in various shapes,
Including solid pier, hollow pier, hollow stretcher, hollow corner bevel, solid corner sash,
and 45 degree angle.
Additionally, hollow bevels and angled bevel blocks come with serrated ends.
So you can get a wide range of cinder blocks in 6 inch dimension.
8 inch
8-inch cinder blocks are mostly available in two sizes of CMU – full 8 inches and half 8 inches.
Full-size CMU or 8-inch cinder blocks are 16 inches long, 8 inches wide and 8 inches high.
While the nominal dimensions are represented as 8″ x 8″ x 16″ based on width, height and length.
However, their actual dimensions differ from their nominal dimensions as their actual width is ⅜ inch less, allowing room for mortar joints.
Plus, the only difference between full 8-inch blocks and half 8-inch bricks is their length.
The 8-inch CMU half comes in at 8 inches long instead of 16 inches.
Therefore, both the actual sizes and the nominal sizes differ for the half and full dimensions.
10 inch
The 10-inch blocks are also available in two nominal dimensions – 10 inches for a half and 10 inches for a full.
The nominal size of 10″ half blocks is represented by 10″ x 8″ x 8″.
While the half and full 10-inch cinder blocks differ only in their lengths.
The 10-inch half is 8 inches long instead of 16 inches like the full-size 10-inch CMU.
Both half and full 10-inch dimensions are available in different formats.
Besides the common solid and hollow pavement,
these concrete blocks also come in solid corner scarf and hollow corner scarf with notched ends.
It is also available as a hollow stretcher and hollow bevel, along with the very popular 45 degree angle.
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12 inches
A full and half 12 inch cinder block dimension is also available like most cinder blocks.
The 12-inch dimension depends on the actual size of the display,
with both the half and full 12-inch dimensions being 8 inches high and 12 inches wide.
Therefore, the only difference in their standard sizes is their length.
While a half of a 12-inch CMU is 8 inches long, a full 12-inch CMU is 16 inches long.
Half and full 12 inch building blocks are available in different shapes, such as solid pavement,
Hollow pier, solid corner sash, hollow corner sash as well as double hollow sash.
In addition, there is another form available in this dimension, which is hollow concrete mobile blocks.
