Retaining Wall Calculator
Plan a segmental block retaining wall. Enter the wall length, the height above ground and the block size, and the calculator counts courses, blocks and caps, then adds the gravel for the base trench and the drainage zone behind the wall.
Most walls bury the first course (about 1 in per 8 in of height, at least 6 in).
For cuts at ends and corners, broken blocks.
How to use the Retaining Wall Calculator
- Enter the wall length and the height you want above the finished ground.
- Pick the block size printed on the product, or choose Custom and type it.
- Set buried courses (usually 1) and the cap length, or no caps.
- Check the base: 6 in of compacted gravel extending 6 in past the block on each side is common.
- Add prices if you want a cost, then read blocks, caps and gravel.
How the blocks and gravel are calculated
- Courses = ⌈height above ground (in) ÷ block height (in)⌉ + buried courses
- Blocks per course = ⌈wall length (in) ÷ block length (in)⌉
- Blocks = courses × blocks per course × (1 + waste)
- Caps = wall length (in) ÷ cap length × (1 + waste)
- Base gravel = length × (block depth + 2 × extension) × base depth; tons ≈ cubic yards × 1.4
- Drainage gravel = length × 1 ft × total wall height
Example: 30 ft × 3 ft wall with 16 × 6 × 12 in blocks: courses = 36 ÷ 6 + 1 = 7, blocks per course = 360 ÷ 16 = 22.5 → 23, blocks = 161, with 5% waste 170. Caps (16 in): 22.5 × 1.05 → 24. Base: 30 × 2 × 0.5 = 30 cu ft = 1.11 cu yd.
Blocks per square foot of wall face
| Block face (L × H) | Face area per block | Blocks per sq ft | Blocks per 10 ft course |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 × 4 in | 0.33 sq ft | 3.0 | 10 |
| 16 × 6 in | 0.67 sq ft | 1.5 | 8 |
| 18 × 6 in | 0.75 sq ft | 1.33 | 7 |
| 16 × 8 in | 0.89 sq ft | 1.13 | 8 |
| 18 × 8 in | 1.0 sq ft | 1.0 | 7 |
Crushed stone weighs roughly 1.4 tons per cubic yard (varies by stone and gradation from about 1.3 to 1.5). Curved walls and corners change block counts slightly; check the manufacturer's guide for their exact block dimensions, setback and height limits.
Frequently asked questions
How many retaining wall blocks do I need?
Divide the wall length by the block length to get blocks per course, and the wall height by the block height to get courses. Add the buried course, multiply the two and add about 5% for cuts. A 30 ft wall 3 ft high with 16 × 6 in blocks needs 23 blocks per course × (6 + 1) courses = 161 blocks, about 170 with waste.
How deep should the first course be buried?
A common rule is to bury about 1 inch for every 8 inches of wall height, and at least 6 inches, which is usually one full course of block. Follow the block manufacturer's installation guide.
How much gravel do I need for a retaining wall base?
A typical base trench is about 24 inches wide for a 12 inch deep block and 6 inches of compacted crushed stone. For a 30 ft wall that is 30 × 2 × 0.5 = 30 cu ft, about 1.1 cubic yards or 1.6 tons.
Do I need drainage gravel behind a retaining wall?
Yes, for most walls. A zone of clean crushed stone about 12 inches wide behind the blocks lets water drain instead of building up pressure, and a perforated drain pipe at the base carries water away.
How tall can a block retaining wall be without reinforcement?
Many gravity block walls are limited to about 3 to 4 ft high, depending on the block and the soil. Taller walls, or walls with a slope, driveway or building above, usually need geogrid reinforcement, an engineer's design and a permit.
How many cap blocks do I need?
Divide the wall length in inches by the cap length and round up, then add a few for cuts. Caps are glued to the top course with masonry adhesive.