Retaining Wall Calculator
Construction & Home ImprovementCalculate the number of blocks and backfill material needed for a segmental retaining wall.
Total Estimated Cost
Total estimated cost, including wall blocks, cap blocks, and gravel backfill.
Total Blocks Needed
98
Total wall and cap blocks needed.
Gravel Backfill Needed
3.00
Estimated tons of gravel backfill behind the wall.
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Calculator Stats
Creators
Odeh Ahwal0people find this calculator helpful
Views
Helpful
Saved
Embeds
Construction & Home Improvement calculators
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does a retaining wall need gravel backfill?
A layer of free-draining gravel behind the wall lets water pass through instead of building up hydrostatic pressure against the blocks, which is one of the most common causes of retaining wall failure. It also helps the wall drain instead of trapping water that could freeze and heave.
What is a cap row?
A cap row is a finishing layer of blocks or purpose-made cap units laid flat on top of the wall, giving it a finished look and a flat top surface. Not every wall design uses a dedicated cap row, some use the same standard block on top.
Does this account for a buried base course?
No, this calculates the visible wall height in blocks. Most retaining walls also need one or more courses buried below grade for stability, so the true total wall height, and block count, is often somewhat more than the exposed height alone suggests.
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