What Are 3 Hole Bricks?
3 hole bricks — also known as 3 perforation bricks or three-core bricks — are standard clay fired bricks with three cylindrical or rectangular holes running through their length. These perforations make up roughly 25–30% of the brick's total volume, reducing its weight while maintaining structural integrity.
In India, 3 hole bricks are manufactured as per IS 1077:1992 (Common Burnt Clay Building Bricks) and are widely used in residential and commercial construction. The standard size is 190 mm × 90 mm × 90 mm (modular) or 230 mm × 110 mm × 70 mm (conventional).
3 Hole Brick Dimensions & Weight
| Property | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Standard Size (Modular) | 190 × 90 × 90 mm |
| Standard Size (Conventional) | 230 × 110 × 70 mm |
| Number of Holes | 3 |
| Hole Diameter | 30–35 mm each |
| Weight (per brick) | 2.0 – 2.5 kg |
| Compressive Strength | Min. 3.5 N/mm² (Class 3.5) |
| Water Absorption | Less than 20% |
Why Are There Holes in Bricks?
The 3 holes in these bricks serve multiple engineering purposes:
- Weight Reduction: Less material means lower dead load on the structure — critical in multi-storey buildings.
- Better Mortar Bond: Mortar fills the perforations, creating a mechanical key that dramatically increases wall strength.
- Faster Firing: During kiln firing, heat penetrates the core evenly, resulting in uniform burning and stronger bricks.
- Thermal Insulation: Air trapped in the holes acts as insulation, keeping interiors cooler in Indian summers.
- Material Savings: Less clay used per brick lowers manufacturing cost — passed on to the buyer.
3 Hole Brick Price in India (2026)
| Region | Price per 1000 Bricks | Price per Brick |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi NCR | Rs 8,000 – Rs 10,500 | Rs 8 – Rs 10.5 |
| Rajasthan | Rs 6,500 – Rs 8,500 | Rs 6.5 – Rs 8.5 |
| Maharashtra | Rs 9,500 – Rs 13,000 | Rs 9.5 – Rs 13 |
| Uttar Pradesh | Rs 6,000 – Rs 8,000 | Rs 6 – Rs 8 |
| Punjab & Haryana | Rs 7,500 – Rs 10,000 | Rs 7.5 – Rs 10 |
| South India (avg) | Rs 8,500 – Rs 11,500 | Rs 8.5 – Rs 11.5 |
Prices vary by region, kiln quality, and order quantity. Bulk orders of 50,000+ bricks attract 5–10% discount.
GST on Bricks (2026): Clay bricks attract 12% GST in India. Always ask your supplier for a proper GST invoice — this matters for input tax credit if you are a registered business buying for commercial construction.
3 Hole Bricks vs Solid Bricks — Which Is Better?
| Feature | 3 Hole Bricks | Solid Bricks |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Lighter (2–2.5 kg) | Heavier (3–3.5 kg) |
| Mortar Bond | Excellent (holes fill with mortar) | Good (surface bond only) |
| Thermal Insulation | Better | Average |
| Cost | 10–15% cheaper | Higher |
| Compressive Strength | Slightly lower | Higher |
| Best For | Non-load bearing walls, partition walls | Load-bearing walls, foundations |
Where Are 3 Hole Bricks Used?
- Partition walls in apartments and commercial spaces
- Outer cladding of RCC-framed buildings
- Low-rise residential construction (G+1, G+2)
- Boundary walls and compound walls
- Industrial sheds and godowns
How to Check Quality of 3 Hole Bricks Before Buying
- Ring Test: Tap two bricks together — a clear metallic ring indicates good firing. A dull thud means poor quality.
- Scratch Test: Try scratching the surface with a fingernail — it should not leave a mark on a well-fired brick.
- Water Drop Test: Drop water on the surface — it should absorb slowly, indicating correct water absorption rate below 20%.
- Visual Check: No deep cracks, uniform color (red to deep red), sharp edges, consistent hole size.
- Drop Test: Drop from 1 meter height — should not shatter into pieces.
3 Hole Brick — IS Code Compliance
According to BIS IS 1077:1992, Class 3.5 bricks (minimum compressive strength 3.5 N/mm²) are suitable for external walls, while Class 5 and above are recommended for load-bearing applications. Always ask your supplier for IS certification before bulk purchase.
Pro Tip from Naresh Sihag: "For a 1000 sq ft house, you will need approximately 20,000–25,000 bricks. Use our brick calculation formula to get the exact number for your wall dimensions. Always order 5% extra to account for breakage and cutting waste. Negotiate delivery cost separately — it can add Rs 500–Rs 1,500 per 1000 bricks depending on distance."
3 Hole Bricks vs AAC Blocks — 2026 Comparison
Many builders are switching to AAC (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) blocks, but 3 hole bricks still hold advantages in specific scenarios:
- 3 hole bricks are 40–50% cheaper than AAC blocks per unit
- AAC blocks offer better thermal and sound insulation
- 3 hole bricks have higher compressive strength than AAC — though if you need more thermal efficiency, see our guide on 8 hole bricks and 10 hole bricks
- 3 hole bricks are more readily available in tier 2 and tier 3 cities
- AAC blocks can reduce dead load by up to 60% vs clay bricks
For budget-conscious construction in North India, 3 hole bricks remain the number 1 choice for wall construction.
Frequently Asked Questions — 3 Hole Bricks
What is the price of 3 hole bricks in India in 2026?
3 hole brick prices in India in 2026 range from Rs 6 to Rs 13 per brick depending on the region. In Delhi NCR, expect Rs 8,000–Rs 10,500 per 1000 bricks. Rajasthan is the cheapest at Rs 6,500–Rs 8,500 per 1000, while Maharashtra is the most expensive at Rs 9,500–Rs 13,000 per 1000. All prices are subject to 12% GST.
Are 3 hole bricks load bearing?
Yes, 3 hole bricks can be used in load-bearing walls for low-rise construction up to G+2. With a minimum compressive strength of 3.5 N/mm² (IS 1077 Class 3.5), they are suitable for external load-bearing walls. For buildings above G+2 or in seismic zones III–V, consult a structural engineer before specifying 3 hole bricks for load-bearing applications.
How many 3 hole bricks per square foot?
For a 4.5 inch (115mm) wall, you need approximately 4.5 bricks per square foot. For a 9 inch (230mm) wall, you need approximately 9 bricks per square foot. Always add 10% for wastage due to cutting and breakage. For a full step-by-step calculation with worked examples, read our guide: How to Calculate Bricks for a Wall.
What is the weight of a 3 hole brick?
A standard 3 hole brick weighs between 2.0 kg and 2.5 kg for the conventional 230×110×70mm size. The modular 190×90×90mm size typically weighs 1.8–2.2 kg. This is 15–20% lighter than an equivalent solid clay brick.
What is the IS standard for 3 hole bricks in India?
3 hole bricks in India comply with IS 1077:1992 (Common Burnt Clay Building Bricks). The minimum compressive strength required is 3.5 N/mm² for Class 3.5 bricks used in general construction. Always demand an IS test certificate from your supplier before bulk purchase.
3 hole bricks vs AAC blocks — which is better for a house?
For budget construction in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, 3 hole bricks are 40–50% cheaper than AAC blocks and are the practical choice. AAC blocks offer better thermal insulation and lower dead load, making them better for urban high-rise projects. For a standard 1,000–1,500 sq ft house in North India, 3 hole bricks remain the most cost-effective option in 2026.
