Concrete block is an energy efficient building material as it has limited thermal transmission creating reasonably high "R" numbers. 

Concrete is a versatile product that can is manufactured using forms, hence there are many specialty shapes and sizes available.  The information provided here is based on the standard grey concrete block.

The standard concrete block configurations are:

Two Core Concrete Block 8" x 8" x 16"	Two Core Concrete Block End 8" x 8" x 16"	Three Core Concrete Block 8" x 8" x 16"
Three Core Concrete Block End 8" x 8" x 16"	Three Core Concrete Block Steel Sash 8" x 8" x 16"	Three Core Concrete Block Wood Sash 8" x 8" x 16"
Three Core Concrete Block Bullnose 8" x 8" x 16"	Three Core Concrete Block Cap 8" x 8" x 16"	Three Core Concrete Block Header 8" x 8" x 16"
	The most common block widths are 8 and 10 inches.  However, concrete blocks can be provided in 4, 6 and 12 inch widths. The specification of concrete block allows for a 3/8" mortar fill.  Hence a block that is specified as 8" x 8" x 16" will actually measure 7 5/8" x 7 5/8" x 15 5/8" Half blocks are also available for ends of runs.
Two Core Concrete Block Return or Corner Angle 8" x 8" x 16"

Concrete blocks require a footing that is below the frost line or in the case of a barbeque or similar structure on a large concrete pad.

The footing should be at a minimum be as deep as the wall is wide and twice as wide as the wall is wide.  Hence a footing for a wall that is using 8" x 8" X 16" concrete blocks should have a minimum depth 8" and a minimum width of 16".  If you were using 10" x 10" x 16" concrete blocks the minimum dimensions of the footing would be 10" deep and 20" wide.

The following chart will aid you in determining the quantity of concrete blocks required and the mortar needed for your specific project.

The quantity of concrete blocks required is relative to the square footage of the wall you are building and the height and length of the concrete blocks chosen.