Retaining Wall Calculator
Estimate retaining-wall blocks, rows, cap units, pallets, face area and material cost from wall dimensions and block size.
Default project preview
335 wall blocks
Courses
10
Blocks per course
31
Full pallets
5
Cap blocks
31
Calculator
Build the material order
Your order will appear here
Enter the project details and calculate a rounded material estimate.
Methodology
Transparent calculation
BuildMeter converts every input to a consistent internal unit, applies the selected allowance, and rounds products up to whole purchasable units.
Courses = round up (wall height ÷ block height). Blocks per course = round up (wall length ÷ block length). Order blocks = courses × blocks per course × waste factor.
FAQ
Retaining Wall Calculator questions
Should buried blocks be included?+
Yes when required by the wall system. Increase the entered height to include buried courses.
When is geogrid required?+
Requirements depend on wall height, soil, slope and loads. Follow the block-system design tables and local engineering requirements.
Does this calculate drainage gravel?+
No. Drainage stone and base material depend on the manufacturer detail and site conditions.