Retaining Wall Block Count Calculator

Design smarter retaining walls with precise, site-ready calculations today. Input dimensions, batter, footing, and stone backfill requirements easily. Compute blocks per course, courses, caps, and corners automatically. Include waste, geogrid spacing, and curved runs too. Export results to CSV or PDF for crews anywhere.

Inputs

Overall plan length of the wall centerline.
Visible height above finished grade.
Rule of thumb: ~10% of height plus base thickness.
Allowance for curves, returns, steps, or saw cuts.

Nominal from joint center-to-center.
Nominal vertical rise per course.
Use zero for interlocking units without gaps.
Top course caps or coping length.
Horizontal batter; informational, not used in counts.
Outside corners needing special corner units.

Vertical spacing between reinforcement layers.
Gravel column behind wall (front-to-back).
For cuts, breakage, and spares.

Advanced Options

Number of 90° returns off the main run.
Average length for each return segment.
Spacing of drain outlets along face.
Linear cap length bonded per tube.
Connector pins (if your system uses them).
Embed length as a multiple of exposed height.
For gravel weight/tonnage estimates.

Example Sets

UseLengthHeightBlock WxHUnits
363.51.33 × 0.67ft
201.20.4 × 0.2m
5041.5 × 0.75ft

Downloads

Download CSV Run a calculation first to enable meaningful exports.

Formulas Used

These are planning-level estimates. Always verify with manufacturer details and local design codes.

How to Use

  1. Select units and enter wall length and exposed height.
  2. Provide buried depth or click Auto-calc for a quick rule.
  3. Enter block dimensions; use nominal values including joints if applicable.
  4. Add corners, returns, cap length, and waste allowance for ordering.
  5. Optionally include geogrid spacing, embed ratio, and grid roll dimensions.
  6. Set trench size, backfill thickness, density, weep spacing, and pallets.
  7. Click Calculate to see counts and site quantities.
  8. Export results to CSV or create a PDF for submittals.

FAQs

A common guideline is to bury one full course or about 10% of wall height, plus base material. Adjust for frost depth and site conditions.

Yes. Curves and returns add length and cutting. Use the curve percentage and returns fields to model these features for more realistic totals.

Set geogrid spacing and embed ratio to get area and roll counts. Always follow manufacturer charts and local engineering requirements for final designs.

For planning, 1.4–1.6 tons/yd³ (or ~1.6 t/m³) are common for crushed stone. Verify with your supplier and adjust the density field accordingly.

Yes. Enter units per pallet and adhesive coverage per tube to get pallet counts and tube estimates for logistics and ordering.

Reference Data — Coverage by Block Size

Imperial coverage (per 10 ft course)

Face W (ft)Face H (ft)Joint (ft)Module W (ft)Blocks / 10 ft
1.330.670.021.358
1.500.500.031.537
1.000.330.021.0210
Blocks/10 ft = ceil(10 / Module Width). Use your actual module.

Metric coverage (per 3 m course)

Face W (m)Face H (m)Joint (m)Module W (m)Blocks / 3 m
0.400.200.0050.4058
0.500.200.0050.5056
0.300.150.0050.30510
Blocks/3 m = ceil(3 / Module Width). Replace with your module.

Reference Data — Logistics & Accessories

ItemTypical ValueNotes
Blocks per pallet90–120Varies by manufacturer and block size.
Caps per pallet60–100Check cap length to plan accurately.
Corner units per pallet40–60Confirm left/right vs universal corners.
Adhesive coverage per tube18–30 ft (5.5–9 m)Continuous beads on clean, dry surfaces.
Weep spacing6–10 ft (2–3 m)Adjust to site drainage and spec.
Backfill density (crushed stone)1.4–1.6 tons/yd³ (~1.6 t/m³)Use supplier value for tonnage.
Values are typical planning ranges. Use actual product data for orders.

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Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.