MyYardCalc
Pavers & Outdoor · Material planning

Retaining Wall Block Calculator

Estimate blocks, buried courses and caps for a straight segmental retaining wall. Use the actual system dimensions and review the quantity limits.

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US & metric

Example values are filled in. Replace them with your measurements.

ft
ft
in
in
in
in
%

An editable purchasing margin, not a measured compaction rate.

$

Enter your measurements

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The calculation

Blocks = rounded-up units per course × rounded-up exposed courses plus buried courses, then extra allowance.

  • Straight wall count only. Caps, corners, drainage and engineering are separate from block cost.

Saved on this device

Only estimates you choose to save are stored here.

    Measure with a little context

    How to use this retaining wall calculator

    Counts round up by course and by units along the wall. Enter the buried courses specified for the actual system and site.

    This does not design a retaining structure. Reinforcement, drainage, setbacks, corners and permitted height need the block system’s guidance and any required engineering.

    Blocks = rounded-up units per course × rounded-up exposed courses plus buried courses, then extra allowance.

    A worked example

    With the example values shown below, the calculated result is 108 blocks. These are demonstration inputs, not installation specifications.

    View the example measurements
    • Wall length: 20 ft
    • Exposed wall height: 3 ft
    • Buried courses: 1
    • Cap length: 18 in
    • Unit face length: 18 in
    • Unit face height: 6 in
    • Extra allowance: 10 %

    From estimate to order

    Whole packages and pieces round up; measured lengths, areas and volumes keep full precision during calculation. Match the product dimensions and units to your quote, and check cuts, minimum orders and delivery before purchasing.

    Read our formulas, rounding rules and limitations →

    Retaining wall planning questions

    How are retaining wall blocks and buried courses counted?

    The tool rounds the units along the wall up to a whole count and does the same for exposed courses. Your entered buried courses are then included. Caps use their own length, so their count can differ from the blocks in one course.

    Can it design a curved or reinforced retaining wall?

    No. The quantity model is a straight wall. Curves, corners, setbacks, reinforcement, drainage and stability depend on the block system and site. Material counts and optional block prices do not establish permitted height or structural adequacy.

    Are retaining wall caps included in the block count?

    Caps are counted separately from regular blocks because their lengths can differ. The optional price per wall unit applies to the wall units, so obtain a separate cap price where needed. Buried courses, end units, corners, drainage and reinforcement also need to match the selected wall system.

    Calculation notes updated . Formulas, sources and limitations.

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