Retaining Wall Calculator & Material Planner
Segmental wall courses, caps, drainage stone and base quantities.
Project estimate
Retaining Wall Planner
$1,965–$2,260
Material estimate + optional reserve · USD
- Total courses
- 7
- Blocks before allowance
- 210
- Working time allowance
- 1.88 days
30 person-hours / 2 people / 8 h per day. Provisional activity rates; adjust in advanced options.
Excludes labor, tax, delivery, equipment rental, permits and site work. Sample prices are not live retailer quotes. Upper budget includes 15% contingency.
Cost breakdown
- Masonry
- $1,353
- Base
- $96
- Drainage
- $516
Shopping list
0 / 6 checkedWhole packages rounded up. Edit a unit price to use your supplier's quote.
Masonry
Wall blocks
231 blocks
$1,155$5 per blocks
Cap units
33 pieces
$198$6 per pieces
Base
Base stone
1.75 yd³
$96$55 per yd³
Drainage
Drainage stone
5.75 yd³
$374$65 per yd³
Drain pipe (10 ft)
4 lengths
$72$18 per lengths
Filter fabric
176 ft²
$70$0 per ft²
Save this project
Saved on this browser only. No account required.
Assumptions & project notes
- Material allowance: 10%. Package sizes and coverage rates are editable in the inputs.
- This is a quantity takeoff, not structural sizing. Member sections, support spacing, connections, soil bearing and footing dimensions must come from an approved design. Defaults are illustrative.
- Does not size geogrid, evaluate surcharge or slope stability. Buried courses are included in block and drainage quantities.
- Check final dimensions, product specifications and any required local approvals before ordering.
Tools & preparation
- Tape measure, square and level
- Layout string and stakes
- Mixing and material-handling equipment
- Suitable trowels / finishing tools
- Compaction or cutting equipment as required
A preparation list; confirm installation tools with your selected products.
How to use the retaining wall planner
Start with length, height, block face length, block height. The result includes total courses, blocks before allowance. Open advanced options to match your product sizes, material allowance and labor expectations.
1. Measure and specify
Confirm geometry, finished levels, drainage and any structural design requirements.
2. Adjust the estimate
Use the specified thicknesses, block modules, reinforcement and product yields.
3. Prepare your order
Coordinate forms, base preparation, delivery quantities and access before ordering.
4. Plan the work
Follow the specified placement, finishing and curing sequence, including inspections where required.
Frequently asked questions
What does the retaining wall planner estimate?+
Segmental wall courses, caps, drainage stone and base quantities. The shopping list includes wall blocks, cap units, base stone, drainage stone, drain pipe (10 ft), filter fabric.
Which assumptions should I check?+
This is a quantity takeoff, not structural sizing. Member sections, support spacing, connections, soil bearing and footing dimensions must come from an approved design. Defaults are illustrative. Does not size geogrid, evaluate surcharge or slope stability. Buried courses are included in block and drainage quantities.
Are the prices current supplier quotes?+
No. Initial unit prices are illustrative USD budgeting inputs. Enter a price beside each material to use your own quote. The total includes materials only; labor, shipping, taxes, permits and rental are excluded.
Can I save or share my project?+
Save stores the inputs and prices on this browser. Share link includes the configuration in the address so another device can reopen it. Download CSV exports the shopping list, and Print / PDF opens your browser’s print dialog.