Dimensions of Concrete Blocks

8-by-8-by-16 Hollow

• The most common type of cinder block in use around the world is the 8-by-8-by-16-inch hollow block. The voids in the middle of the block help with compression, and allow for greater flexibility in the structure because the voids can be filled with concrete and rebar as necessary to help reinforce the structural strength of the wall.

8-by-8-by-16 Solid

• A solid version of the 8-by-8-by-16-inch cinder block is also manufactured, although they are less common than their hollow counterparts. More planning is required when building with solid blocks, because you cannot place rebar and structural supports as freely as you can with hollow. However, they provide a much greater upfront strength in comparison to their hollow counterparts and are useful in shorter walls that don’t need rebar support.

Partition Blocks

• Partition blocks come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the most common is 4-by-8-by-16 inches. They are meant to be installed upright, with the 8-inch section running vertically while the 16-inch section spans the width of the partition. You can find them in hollow or solid format depending on the needs of your structure.

Floor Blocks

• Similar to the many other cinder blocks manufactured around the world, floor blocks also come in a variety of shapes and sizes. One common type is 4-by-8-by-16 inches. They are installed along their length rather than on their side, and just like the other block formats, they can be found in either hollow or solid form. Smaller bricks are used for designs, while larger bricks work well for large-scale projects where building speed is more important.