{"id":11909,"date":"2026-10-19T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-19T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/?p=11909"},"modified":"2026-10-19T15:28:51","modified_gmt":"2026-10-19T15:28:51","slug":"retaining-wall-calculator","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/retaining-wall-calculator\/","title":{"rendered":"Retaining Wall Calculator: Blocks, Caps, Base, and Drainage"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script>\ndocument.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {\n  var sels = ['.entry-header','.page-header','article > h1:first-child','.entry-footer'];\n  sels.forEach(function(s){document.querySelectorAll(s).forEach(function(el){el.style.display='none';});});\n  var el = document.querySelector('.sw-a');\n  while (el && el !== document.body) {\n    el.style.maxWidth='100%'; el.style.width='100%'; el.style.padding='0'; el.style.margin='0';\n    el.style.float='none'; el.style.flex='0 0 100%';\n    el = el.parentElement;\n  }\n  document.body.style.marginTop='0'; document.body.style.paddingTop='0';\n});\n<\/script>\n<link href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Inter:wght@400;500;600;700;800&#038;display=swap\" rel=\"stylesheet\">\n<style id=\"pm-style\">.single-post .entry-header,.single-post .entry-meta,.single-post .page-header,.single-post article>h1:first-child{display:none !important;}.single-post .post-tags,.single-post .entry-footer,.single-post .breadcrumb-nav{display:none !important;}.single-post article.post .entry-content{padding-top:0 !important;margin-top:0 !important;max-width:100% !important;width:100% !important;}.single-post .content-area,.single-post #primary,.single-post .site-main{padding:0 !important;max-width:100% !important;width:100% !important;}.single-post .row--index>.col-xs-12{padding-left:0 !important;padding-right:0 !important;}.single-post .row.no-pad>[class*=\"col-\"]{width:100% !important;max-width:100% !important;flex:0 0 100% !important;margin-left:0 !important;padding-left:0 !important;padding-right:0 !important;}.single-post article.post,.single-post article.pm{max-width:100% !important;width:100% !important;margin:0 !important;padding:0 !important;float:none !important;flex:0 0 100% !important;}.single-post .container,.single-post .container-fluid{max-width:100% !important;width:100% !important;padding-left:0 !important;padding-right:0 !important;}.single-post .row--index,.single-post .row.no-pad,.single-post .site-content{max-width:100% !important;width:100% !important;margin-left:0 !important;margin-right:0 !important;padding-left:0 !important;padding-right:0 !important;}.pm *{box-sizing:border-box;}.pm{margin:0;background:#f8fafc;color:#3f3f46;font-family:'Inter',-apple-system,'Segoe UI',sans-serif;font-size:16.5px;line-height:1.7;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;max-width:100%;width:100%;}.pm__inner{max-width:720px;margin:0 auto;padding:0 24px;}.pm a{color:#2563eb;text-decoration:none;font-weight:500;}.pm h1,.pm h2,.pm h3{color:#111827;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:-.025em;}.pm strong{color:#111827;font-weight:700;}.pm__hero{padding:72px 0 12px;text-align:center;background:#fff;border-bottom:1px solid #eef1f5;}.pm__crumb{font:500 13px Inter;color:#9ca3af;margin-bottom:20px;}.pm__eyebrow{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:7px;font:600 12px Inter;letter-spacing:.05em;color:#2563eb;background:#fff;border:1px solid #e5e7eb;box-shadow:0 1px 2px rgba(16,24,40,.04);padding:6px 13px;border-radius:999px;}.pm__eyebrow::before{content:\"\";width:6px;height:6px;border-radius:50%;background:#2563eb;}.pm__hero h1{font-size:45px;line-height:1.12;margin:22px auto 16px;max-width:660px;letter-spacing:-.03em;}.pm__rating{display:flex;justify-content:center;align-items:center;gap:8px;margin:4px 0 18px;font:600 13.5px Inter;color:#4b5563;}.pm__stars{color:#f59e0b;letter-spacing:2px;font-size:15px;}.pm__rating-sub{color:#9ca3af;font-weight:500;}.pm__dek{font-size:19px;line-height:1.55;color:#6b7280;max-width:600px;margin:0 auto 12px;}.pm__dek-cta{font-size:15px;line-height:1.5;color:#6b7280;max-width:600px;margin:0 auto 22px;}.pm__dek-cta a{color:#2563eb;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;border-bottom:1.5px solid rgba(37,99,235,.35);padding-bottom:1px;}.pm__dek-cta a:hover{border-bottom-color:#2563eb;}.pm__meta{display:inline-flex;gap:11px;align-items:center;color:#9ca3af;font:500 13px Inter;}.pm__meta i{width:3px;height:3px;border-radius:50%;background:#d1d5db;}.pm__fig{margin:40px auto 0;max-width:940px;padding:0 24px;}.pm__fig img{width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:16px;aspect-ratio:2\/1;object-fit:cover;box-shadow:0 8px 30px rgba(16,24,40,.10);display:block;}.pm__body{padding:44px 0 60px;}.pm h2{font-size:30px;line-height:1.18;margin:50px 0 16px;}.pm h3{font-size:20px;margin:28px 0 8px;}.pm p{margin:0 0 20px;}.pm ul,.pm ol{margin:0 0 20px;padding-left:24px;}.pm li{margin-bottom:8px;}.pm__tldr{background:#fff;border:1px solid #eceef1;border-radius:16px;box-shadow:0 2px 12px rgba(16,24,40,.05);padding:26px 30px;margin:0 0 20px;}.pm__tldr-label{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;font:700 11.5px Inter;letter-spacing:.1em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#2563eb;margin-bottom:12px;}.pm__tldr ol{margin:0;padding-left:20px;color:#4b5563;font-size:15.5px;line-height:1.6;}.pm__tldr li{margin-bottom:7px;}.pm__tldr-cta{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;gap:16px;flex-wrap:wrap;border-top:1px solid #dbe6ff;padding-top:16px;margin-top:14px;font-size:14.5px;}.pm__tldr-cta span{color:#111827;font-weight:500;}.pm__tldr-cta a{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;white-space:nowrap;padding:10px 20px;border-radius:8px;font-size:14px;font-weight:600;background:#2563eb;color:#fff;text-decoration:none;}.pm ol.pm__steps{list-style:none;counter-reset:s;padding:0;margin:20px 0 32px;display:grid;gap:10px;}.pm__steps>li{counter-increment:s;position:relative;background:#fff;border:1px solid #eceef1;border-radius:12px;padding:18px 22px 18px 66px;box-shadow:0 1px 2px rgba(16,24,40,.04);}.pm__steps>li::before{content:counter(s);position:absolute;left:18px;top:18px;width:34px;height:34px;background:#eff4ff;color:#2563eb;border-radius:9px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-weight:700;font-size:15px;}.pm__steps h3{margin:0 0 4px;font-size:17px;}.pm__steps p{margin:0;color:#6b7280;font-size:15.5px;}.pm__steps p+p{margin-top:10px;}.pm__table{width:100%;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:0;margin:18px 0 28px;font-size:15px;background:#fff;border:1px solid #eceef1;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;box-shadow:0 1px 2px rgba(16,24,40,.04);}.pm__table th{text-align:left;background:#fafafa;font:700 11.5px Inter;letter-spacing:.05em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#9ca3af;padding:12px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #eceef1;}.pm__table td{padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #f3f4f6;color:#4b5563;vertical-align:top;}.pm__table tbody tr:last-child td{border-bottom:none;}.pm__table tbody tr:hover{background:#fbfcff;}.pm__promo{background:linear-gradient(180deg,#f0f5ff,#eef4ff);border:1px solid #dbe6ff;border-radius:18px;padding:34px;margin:36px 0;text-align:center;}.pm__promo h2{margin:0 0 10px;font-size:25px;}.pm__promo p{color:#4b5563;font-size:16px;max-width:520px;margin:0 auto 18px;}.pm__callout{background:#fff;border:1px solid #dbe6ff;border-left:4px solid #2563eb;border-radius:12px;padding:18px 22px;margin:24px 0;color:#4b5563;box-shadow:0 1px 2px rgba(16,24,40,.04);}.pm__callout p:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}.pm__inline-cta{margin:4px 0 22px;font-size:14.5px;}.pm__inline-cta a{color:#2563eb;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;border-bottom:1.5px solid rgba(37,99,235,.3);padding-bottom:1px;}.pm__inline-cta a:hover{border-bottom-color:#2563eb;}.pm__btn{display:inline-block;background:#2563eb;color:#fff;font:600 15px Inter;padding:13px 26px;border-radius:10px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(37,99,235,.28);}.pm a.pm__btn{color:#fff;text-decoration:none;font-weight:600;}.pm__btn--lg{padding:16px 34px;font-size:16px;}.pm__next{background:#fff;border:1px solid #eceef1;border-radius:14px;box-shadow:0 1px 2px rgba(16,24,40,.04);padding:22px 28px;margin:36px 0 20px;}.pm__next h2{font:700 11.5px Inter;letter-spacing:.1em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#2563eb;margin:0 0 4px;}.pm__next ul{list-style:none;padding:0;margin:0;}.pm__next li{position:relative;margin:0;padding:12px 30px 12px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #f3f4f6;font-size:15px;line-height:1.5;color:#6b7280;}.pm__next li:last-child{border-bottom:none;padding-bottom:2px;}.pm__next li::after{content:\"\\203A\";position:absolute;right:6px;top:50%;margin-top:-12px;font:600 20px\/1 Inter;color:#c8d1de;transition:color .15s ease,transform .15s ease;}.pm__next li:hover::after{color:#2563eb;transform:translateX(3px);}.pm__next a{color:#2563eb;font-weight:600;}.pm__next a:hover{text-decoration:underline;}.pm__sources{background:#fff;border:1px solid #eceef1;border-radius:14px;padding:24px 28px;margin:36px 0;}.pm__sources h2{font:700 11.5px Inter;letter-spacing:.1em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#9ca3af;margin:0 0 12px;}.pm__sources ul{list-style:none;padding:0;margin:0;}.pm__sources li{font-size:14.5px;color:#6b7280;padding:9px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #f3f4f6;}.pm__sources li:last-child{border-bottom:none;}.pm__pull{background:#f8fafc;padding:54px 0;text-align:center;}.pm__pull blockquote{margin:0 auto;max-width:760px;padding:30px 24px;border-top:1px solid #dbe1ea;border-bottom:1px solid #dbe1ea;color:#111827;font:600 25px\/1.4 Inter;letter-spacing:-.02em;}.pm__pull cite{display:block;margin-top:18px;color:#9ca3af;font:500 13px Inter;font-style:normal;}.pm__faq{padding:54px 0;background:#f8fafc;}.pm__faq h2{font-size:26px;text-align:center;margin:0 0 24px;}.pm__faq details{background:#fff;border:1px solid #eceef1;border-radius:12px;margin-bottom:10px;box-shadow:0 1px 2px rgba(16,24,40,.04);}.pm__faq summary{cursor:pointer;list-style:none;padding:17px 20px;font-weight:600;color:#111827;}.pm__faq summary::-webkit-details-marker{display:none;}.pm__faq details>div{padding:0 20px 17px;color:#6b7280;font-size:15.5px;}.pm__faq details>div p{margin:0;}.pm__final{background:#0f1729;color:#cbd5e1;text-align:center;padding:76px 0;margin-top:20px;border-radius:24px 24px 0 0;}.pm__final .pm__eyebrow{background:rgba(37,99,235,.16);border:none;color:#93b4ff;box-shadow:none;}.pm__final h2{color:#fff;font-size:33px;margin:16px 0 12px;}.pm__final p{color:#94a3b8;max-width:520px;margin:0 auto 24px;}@media(max-width:600px){.pm__inner{padding:0 18px;}.pm__hero{padding:48px 0 8px;}.pm__hero h1{font-size:34px;}.pm__dek{font-size:17px;}.pm__dek-cta{font-size:14px;}.pm__meta{flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:center;gap:8px 11px;}.pm h2{font-size:24px;}.pm__next h2{font-size:11.5px;}.pm__next{padding:20px 22px;}.pm__next li{font-size:14.5px;}.pm__sources h2{font-size:11.5px;}.pm__fig{padding:0 16px;}.pm__fig img{aspect-ratio:16\/10;}.pm__steps>li{padding:18px 0 18px 56px;background:transparent;box-shadow:none;}.pm__steps>li::before{left:0;}.pm__table{display:block;overflow-x:auto;-webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;font-size:13.5px;}.pm__table th,.pm__table td{padding:10px 14px;}.pm__tldr-cta{align-items:flex-start;}.pm__tldr-cta a{white-space:normal;}.pm__pull{padding:42px 0;}.pm__pull blockquote{font-size:21px;}.pm__faq{padding:44px 0;}.pm__final{padding:64px 0;}.pm__final h2{font-size:30px;}.pm__btn--lg{width:100%;text-align:center;}}.pm__hero-cta{display:flex;flex-direction:column;align-items:center;gap:9px;margin:0 auto 22px;}.pm__hero-cta-note{font-size:13px;line-height:1.5;color:#6b7280;}<\/style>\n<style id=\"swcalc-style\">.swc{background:#fff;border:1px solid #dbe6ff;border-radius:18px;box-shadow:0 8px 30px rgba(16,24,40,.10);padding:26px 26px 20px;margin:34px auto 4px;max-width:720px;text-align:left;}.swc__kicker{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:7px;font:700 11px Inter;letter-spacing:.09em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#2563eb;}.swc__kicker::before{content:\"\";width:6px;height:6px;border-radius:50%;background:#2563eb;}.swc__title{font:800 21px\/1.2 Inter;color:#111827;letter-spacing:-.02em;margin:7px 0 18px;}.swc h3.swc__title{font:800 21px\/1.2 Inter;color:#111827;letter-spacing:-.02em;margin:7px 0 18px;}.swc__grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:12px;}.swc__grid3{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr 1fr;gap:12px;}.swc__field{margin:0 0 14px;}.swc__field label{display:block;font:600 12.5px Inter;color:#6b7280;margin-bottom:6px;}.swc input{width:100%;padding:12px 14px;border:1.5px solid #e5e7eb;border-radius:10px;font:600 16px Inter;color:#111827;background:#fbfcfe;outline:none;transition:border-color .15s ease,box-shadow .15s ease;appearance:textfield;-moz-appearance:textfield;}.swc input::-webkit-outer-spin-button,.swc input::-webkit-inner-spin-button{-webkit-appearance:none;margin:0;}.swc input:focus{border-color:#2563eb;background:#fff;box-shadow:0 0 0 3px rgba(37,99,235,.12);}.swc__presets{display:flex;gap:8px;flex-wrap:wrap;}.swc__preset{flex:1;min-width:92px;padding:11px 0;border:1.5px solid #e5e7eb;border-radius:10px;background:#fff;font:600 14.5px Inter;color:#4b5563;cursor:pointer;transition:background .15s ease,border-color .15s ease,color .15s ease;}.swc__preset.is-on{background:#eff4ff;border-color:#2563eb;color:#2563eb;}#swc-bases .swc__preset{min-width:0;}#swc-sizes .swc__preset{min-width:70px;}#swc-blocks .swc__preset{min-width:130px;padding:11px 8px;}.swc__row--code b{max-width:62%;}.swc__hint{display:block;font:500 11.5px Inter;color:#9ca3af;margin-top:5px;}.swc__out{background:linear-gradient(180deg,#f0f5ff,#eef4ff);border:1px solid #dbe6ff;border-radius:14px;padding:20px 22px 13px;margin-top:4px;}.swc__big{display:flex;align-items:baseline;gap:10px;flex-wrap:wrap;border-bottom:1px solid #dbe6ff;padding-bottom:14px;margin-bottom:4px;}.swc__num{font:800 44px\/1 Inter;color:#2563eb;letter-spacing:-.03em;font-variant-numeric:tabular-nums;transition:opacity .12s ease;}.swc__unit{font:600 15px Inter;color:#4b5563;}.swc__row{display:flex;justify-content:space-between;align-items:baseline;gap:12px;padding:10px 0;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(219,230,255,.75);font:500 14.5px Inter;color:#6b7280;}.swc__row b{color:#111827;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:tabular-nums;text-align:right;}.swc__row--code{border-bottom:none;}.swc__row--last{border-bottom:none;}.swc__row--code b{font-size:14px;color:#047857;}.swc__row--code b.is-bad{color:#b91c1c;}.swc__note{font:500 12px\/1.55 Inter;color:#9ca3af;margin:6px 0 4px;}@media(max-width:600px){.swc{padding:20px 16px 14px;border-radius:16px;margin-top:22px;}.swc__grid,.swc__grid3{gap:10px;}.swc__grid3{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;}.swc__num{font-size:38px;}.swc__preset{padding:12px 0;}}<\/style>\n<p><script>\n(function(){\n  try{\n    var b=document.body;\n    if(b && b.classList){b.classList.add('single-post');}\n  }catch(e){}\n})();\n<\/script><\/p>\n<article class=\"pm\">\n<header class=\"pm__hero\">\n<div class=\"pm__inner\">\n<nav class=\"pm__crumb\">Blog &nbsp;&rsaquo;&nbsp; Construction Calculators &nbsp;&rsaquo;&nbsp; Retaining Wall Calculator<\/nav>\n<p><span class=\"pm__eyebrow\">Contractor Calculator &middot; Retaining Walls<\/span><\/p>\n<h1>Retaining Wall Calculator: Blocks, Caps, Base, and Drainage<\/h1>\n<p class=\"pm__dek\">Set the length, the height and the block. The full material list updates as you type.<\/p>\n<div class=\"pm__hero-cta\"><a class=\"pm__btn\" href=\"https:\/\/swcostestimator.app.link\/ce-ai\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Try SimplyWise Cost Estimator free<\/a><span class=\"pm__hero-cta-note\">Free to try. A photo becomes an itemized estimate in about 6 seconds.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"pm__rating\"><span class=\"pm__stars\">&#9733;&#9733;&#9733;&#9733;&#9733;<\/span> <b>4.8<\/b> <span class=\"pm__rating-sub\">on the App Store for SimplyWise Cost Estimator<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"pm__meta\">\n<span>SimplyWise<\/span><br \/>\n<i><\/i><br \/>\n<span>Updated October 19, 2026<\/span><br \/>\n<i><\/i><br \/>\n<span>5 min read<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"swc\" id=\"swcalc\">\n<span class=\"swc__kicker\">Free Retaining Wall Calculator<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"swc__title\">Blocks, caps, base gravel, and drainage<\/h3>\n<div class=\"swc__grid\">\n<div class=\"swc__field\"><label for=\"swc-len\">Wall length (ft)<\/label><input id=\"swc-len\" type=\"number\" inputmode=\"decimal\" min=\"1\" max=\"1000\" step=\"0.5\" value=\"40\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"swc__field\"><label for=\"swc-ht\">Exposed height (ft)<\/label><input id=\"swc-ht\" type=\"number\" inputmode=\"decimal\" min=\"0.5\" max=\"20\" step=\"0.25\" value=\"3\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"swc__field\"><label>Block (height x face length x depth, inches)<\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"swc__presets\" id=\"swc-blocks\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"swc__preset is-on\" data-h=\"6\" data-l=\"18\" data-d=\"9\" data-max=\"54\" data-cap=\"18\" data-name=\"Highland Stone\">6 x 18 x 9<\/button><button type=\"button\" class=\"swc__preset\" data-h=\"8\" data-l=\"18\" data-d=\"12\" data-max=\"48\" data-cap=\"14.5\" data-name=\"Diamond Pro\">8 x 18 x 12<\/button><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"swc__hint\">Belgard Highland Stone and Diamond Pro sizes, read October 13, 2026.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"swc__grid3\">\n<div class=\"swc__field\"><label for=\"swc-bh\">Block height (in)<\/label><input id=\"swc-bh\" type=\"number\" inputmode=\"decimal\" min=\"2\" max=\"24\" step=\"0.25\" value=\"6\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"swc__field\"><label for=\"swc-bl\">Face length (in)<\/label><input id=\"swc-bl\" type=\"number\" inputmode=\"decimal\" min=\"4\" max=\"48\" step=\"0.25\" value=\"18\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"swc__field\"><label for=\"swc-bd\">Block depth (in)<\/label><input id=\"swc-bd\" type=\"number\" inputmode=\"decimal\" min=\"4\" max=\"36\" step=\"0.25\" value=\"9\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"swc__grid\">\n<div class=\"swc__field\"><label for=\"swc-cap\">Cap length (in)<\/label><input id=\"swc-cap\" type=\"number\" inputmode=\"decimal\" min=\"4\" max=\"48\" step=\"0.25\" value=\"18\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"swc__field\"><label>Waste factor<\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"swc__presets\" id=\"swc-wastes\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"swc__preset is-on\" data-v=\"5\">5 percent<\/button><button type=\"button\" class=\"swc__preset\" data-v=\"10\">10 percent<\/button><\/div>\n<p><input id=\"swc-waste\" type=\"number\" inputmode=\"decimal\" min=\"0\" max=\"30\" step=\"1\" value=\"5\" aria-label=\"Waste factor percent\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"swc__out\" aria-live=\"polite\">\n<div class=\"swc__big\"><span class=\"swc__num\" id=\"swc-blocks-n\">196<\/span><span class=\"swc__unit\" id=\"swc-blocks-unit\">wall blocks to order, waste included<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"swc__row\"><span>Courses<\/span><b id=\"swc-courses\">7 (6 exposed, 1 buried)<\/b><\/div>\n<div class=\"swc__row\"><span>Cap blocks<\/span><b id=\"swc-caps\">28<\/b><\/div>\n<div class=\"swc__row\"><span>Base gravel pad<\/span><b id=\"swc-base\">1.3 cu yd (2.4 tons)<\/b><\/div>\n<div class=\"swc__row\"><span>Drainage stone<\/span><b id=\"swc-drain\">6.48 cu yd<\/b><\/div>\n<div class=\"swc__row\"><span>Perforated drain pipe<\/span><b id=\"swc-pipe\">40 ft, 1 outlet<\/b><\/div>\n<div class=\"swc__row swc__row--code swc__row--last\"><span>Height check<\/span><b id=\"swc-code\" class=\"is-bad\">4.33 ft footing to cap: over 4 ft: permit in Saint Paul and Inver Grove Heights, often an engineer<\/b><\/div>\n<p class=\"swc__note\">Pad, burial and drainage rules from the Belgard installation guide. Tons use 1.85 per compacted cubic yard, Washington State DOT. A load or slope above the wall changes the permit line.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<style id=\"swcost-style\">.swk h3.swk__kicker{display:block;margin:0 0 10px;font:700 11px Inter,sans-serif;letter-spacing:.09em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#2563eb;line-height:1.4;}.swk{background:#fff;border:1px solid #dbe6ff;border-radius:18px;box-shadow:0 8px 30px rgba(16,24,40,.10);padding:22px 22px 16px;margin:18px auto 4px;max-width:720px;text-align:left;}.swk__kicker{display:block;font:700 11px Inter,sans-serif;letter-spacing:.09em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#2563eb;margin-bottom:10px;}.swk__grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,minmax(0,1fr));gap:12px;}.swk__field label{display:block;font:600 13px Inter,sans-serif;color:#334155;margin-bottom:6px;}.swk__field input{width:100%;min-height:48px;font:600 17px Inter,sans-serif;padding:10px 12px;border:1px solid #cbd5e1;border-radius:12px;background:#f8fafc;color:#0f172a;}.swk__big{margin:16px 0 8px;display:flex;flex-direction:column;}.swk__num{font:800 40px\/1.1 Inter,sans-serif;color:#0f172a;}.swk__unit{font:500 14px Inter,sans-serif;color:#475569;}.swk__row{display:flex;justify-content:space-between;gap:12px;padding:8px 0;border-top:1px solid #eef2f7;font-size:15px;}.swk__note{font-size:12.5px;line-height:1.5;color:#64748b;margin:10px 0 0;}@media(max-width:600px){.swk__grid{grid-template-columns:1fr;}.swk__num{font-size:34px;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"swk\" id=\"swk\">\n<h3 class=\"swk__kicker\">Retaining wall calculator: price it<\/h3>\n<div class=\"swk__grid\">\n<div class=\"swk__field\"><label for=\"swk-size\">Wall face (sq ft)<\/label><input id=\"swk-size\" type=\"number\" inputmode=\"decimal\" min=\"0\" max=\"1000000\" step=\"any\" value=\"120\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"swk__field\"><label for=\"swk-lab\">Labor $ per sq ft of face<\/label><input id=\"swk-lab\" type=\"number\" inputmode=\"decimal\" min=\"0\" max=\"100000\" step=\"any\" value=\"21.67\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"swk__field\"><label for=\"swk-mat\">Materials $ per sq ft of face<\/label><input id=\"swk-mat\" type=\"number\" inputmode=\"decimal\" min=\"0\" max=\"100000\" step=\"any\" value=\"20.41\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"swk__big\" aria-live=\"polite\"><span class=\"swk__num\" id=\"swk-total\">$0<\/span><span class=\"swk__unit\">before markup<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"swk__row\"><span>Labor<\/span><b id=\"swk-l\">$0<\/b><\/div>\n<div class=\"swk__row\"><span>Materials<\/span><b id=\"swk-m\">$0<\/b><\/div>\n<p class=\"swk__note\">Defaults: a SimplyWise Cost Estimator run, October 13, 2026, a 40 ft long, 3 ft tall block wall with soil haul-away: $2,600.00 labor, $2,449.16 materials.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><script>\n(function(){\n  function $(i){return document.getElementById(i);}\n  function n(id){var v=parseFloat($(id).value);return (isFinite(v)&&v>=0)?v:0;}\n  function usd(x){return '$'+Math.round(x).toLocaleString('en-US');}\n  function run(){var s=n('swk-size'),l=s*n('swk-lab'),m=s*n('swk-mat');\n    $('swk-total').textContent=usd(Math.round(l)+Math.round(m));$('swk-l').textContent=usd(l);$('swk-m').textContent=usd(m);}\n  ['swk-size','swk-lab','swk-mat'].forEach(function(i){$(i).addEventListener('input',run);});\n  run();\n})();\n<\/script><\/p>\n<figure class=\"pm__fig\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Close view of a segmental concrete block retaining wall, split face blocks stacked in a running bond with each course set back, lit by low sun\" loading=\"eager\" src=\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1791326969810-862e662cb6fe?w=1400&amp;h=700&amp;fit=crop&amp;q=80&amp;auto=format\"\/><br \/>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<p><script>\n(function(){\n  \/\/ SOURCED CONSTANTS, one block. Pure geometry (12 in per ft, 27 cu ft per\n  \/\/ cu yd) is not sourced and is not listed here. All sources read 2026-10-13.\n  \/\/\n  \/\/ BURY_MIN_IN = 6. Belgard Technical Resource Guide BEL25-D-516650, p. 32,\n  \/\/   \"Basic Installation Construction Guide, Retaining Wall\": \"Bury the base\n  \/\/   course of block a minimum of 6 inches or as shown on the plans.\"\n  \/\/   Buried courses = max(1, ceil(6 \/ block height)).\n  \/\/ PAD_DEPTH_IN = 6 and PAD_EXTRA_IN = 12. Same page: the leveling pad is\n  \/\/   3\/4 in minus compactable base, \"at least 6 inches in front of and behind\n  \/\/   the first course of block and be at least 6 inches deep after compaction.\"\n  \/\/   Pad width = block depth + 6 + 6.\n  \/\/ DRAIN_BEHIND_MIN_IN = 12, DRAIN_FROM_FACE_MIN_IN = 24. Guide p. 33: 3\/4 in\n  \/\/   free draining aggregate \"at a minimum of 12-inches from behind the back\n  \/\/   of the block or 24-inches from the front of the block, whichever is\n  \/\/   greater.\" Zone height taken as the full block height including the\n  \/\/   buried course (our modeling choice, stated on the page).\n  \/\/ PIPE: guide p. 49 and p. 53, \"4-inch perforated piping\", outlets \"not\n  \/\/   more than every 50 feet\". Pipe length = wall length.\n  \/\/ CAPS: guide p. 35, caps glued with a concrete adhesive. Default cap\n  \/\/   length 18 in: Oldcastle APG order site, \"Belgard Retaining Wall 12 x 4\n  \/\/   x 18 Cap\" (orders.oldcastleapg.com\/caps-coping-edgers\/caps\/\n  \/\/   belgard-retaining-wall-12-x-4-x-18-cap).\n  \/\/ BLOCK PRESETS (height x face length x depth, in) and gravity limits:\n  \/\/   Highland Stone SRW LG 6 x 18 x 9, belgard.com\/product\/highland-stone\/,\n  \/\/     \"gravity walls up to 4.5 ft.\" -> data-max 54 in.\n  \/\/   Diamond Pro Straight Face 8 x 18 x 12, Belgard spec sheet BEL22-412\n  \/\/     (revised 01\/17\/23), \"Gravity walls can be built up to 4 ft high,\n  \/\/     including buried course\"; same line on Oldcastle APG order page\n  \/\/     belgard-diamond-pro-straight-face-pin-system-8-wall -> data-max 48 in.\n  \/\/ PERMIT_LINE_IN = 48. City of Saint Paul DSI \"Retaining Walls\" handout:\n  \/\/   permits \"are required for retaining walls where at any point the wall is\n  \/\/   taller than 4 feet measured from the base of the footing to the top of\n  \/\/   the wall\" (MN Rules 1300.0120). Inver Grove Heights \"Retaining Walls\"\n  \/\/   handout: permit for \"any wall that exceeds 4 feet in height\" and for a\n  \/\/   wall \"of any height that supports a surcharge\"; submittal lists plans\n  \/\/   \"prepared by a Minnesota Licensed Structural Engineer.\"\n  \/\/   Permit height here = all courses including the buried one, plus the 6 in pad and a 4 in cap (Oldcastle 12 x 4 x 18 cap; Diamond Pro cap 4 x 17\/12 x 10). The gravity check still uses block courses only.\n  \/\/ BASE_TONS_PER_CY = 1.85. Washington State DOT Design Manual M 22-01,\n  \/\/   Chapter 620, Exhibit 620-1, Crushed Surfacing Base Course, compacted on\n  \/\/   roadway, 3,700 lb\/cy = 1.85 T\/cy.\n  \/\/ NO PRICE CONSTANTS. Home Depot and Lowe's product pages returned 403 on\n  \/\/   2026-10-13; the cost block comes from a SimplyWise app run instead.\n  var BURY_MIN_IN=6, PAD_DEPTH_IN=6, PAD_EXTRA_IN=12, DRAIN_BEHIND_MIN_IN=12, DRAIN_FROM_FACE_MIN_IN=24;\n  var PIPE_OUTLET_FT=50, PERMIT_LINE_IN=48, BASE_TONS_PER_CY=1.85, CUFT_PER_CY=27, CAP_H_IN=4;\n  var limitIn=54, blockName='Highland Stone';\n  function $(i){return document.getElementById(i);}\n  function ceil6(x){return Math.ceil(Number(x.toFixed(6)));}\n  function fmt2(n){var s=n.toFixed(2);if(s.indexOf('.')>=0){s=s.replace(\/\\.?0+$\/,'');}return s;}\n  function comma(n){return String(n).replace(\/\\B(?=(\\d{3})+(?!\\d))\/g,',');}\n  function val(el,lo,hi){var v=parseFloat(el.value);if(!isFinite(v)||v<lo||v>hi){return null;}return v;}\n  function blank(){\n    $('swc-blocks-n').textContent='0';\n    $('swc-blocks-unit').textContent='enter the wall and the block size';\n    ['swc-courses','swc-caps','swc-base','swc-drain','swc-pipe','swc-code'].forEach(function(i){$(i).textContent='0';});\n  }\n  function run(){\n    var L=val($('swc-len'),0.5,5000), H=val($('swc-ht'),0.25,40);\n    var bh=val($('swc-bh'),1,48), bl=val($('swc-bl'),1,96), bd=val($('swc-bd'),1,72), cap=val($('swc-cap'),1,96);\n    var waste=val($('swc-waste'),0,60); if(waste===null){waste=0;}\n    if(L===null||H===null||bh===null||bl===null||bd===null||cap===null){blank();return;}\n    var w=1+waste\/100;\n    var exposed=ceil6((H*12)\/bh), buried=Math.max(1,ceil6(BURY_MIN_IN\/bh)), courses=exposed+buried;\n    var perCourse=(L*12)\/bl, blocks=ceil6(perCourse*courses*w), caps=ceil6(((L*12)\/cap)*w);\n    var builtIn=courses*bh;\n    var padCf=L*((bd+PAD_EXTRA_IN)\/12)*(PAD_DEPTH_IN\/12), padCy=padCf\/CUFT_PER_CY, padT=padCy*BASE_TONS_PER_CY;\n    var drainW=Math.max(DRAIN_BEHIND_MIN_IN,DRAIN_FROM_FACE_MIN_IN-bd);\n    var drainCy=(L*(drainW\/12)*(builtIn\/12))\/CUFT_PER_CY;\n    var outlets=ceil6(L\/PIPE_OUTLET_FT);\n    $('swc-blocks-n').textContent=comma(blocks);\n    $('swc-blocks-unit').textContent='wall blocks to order, waste included';\n    $('swc-courses').textContent=courses+' ('+exposed+' exposed, '+buried+' buried)';\n    $('swc-caps').textContent=comma(caps);\n    $('swc-base').textContent=fmt2(padCy)+' cu yd ('+fmt2(padT)+' tons)';\n    $('swc-drain').textContent=fmt2(drainCy)+' cu yd';\n    $('swc-pipe').textContent=fmt2(L)+' ft, '+outlets+(outlets===1?' outlet':' outlets');\n    var codeIn=builtIn+PAD_DEPTH_IN+CAP_H_IN, ft=fmt2(codeIn\/12), c=$('swc-code'), msgs=[];\n    if(codeIn>PERMIT_LINE_IN){msgs.push('over 4 ft: permit in Saint Paul and Inver Grove Heights, often an engineer');}\n    if(limitIn && builtIn>limitIn){msgs.push('over the '+fmt2(limitIn\/12)+' ft '+blockName+' gravity limit: geogrid and an engineer');}\n    if(msgs.length){c.textContent=ft+' ft footing to cap: '+msgs.join('; ');c.classList.add('is-bad');}\n    else{c.textContent=ft+' ft footing to cap: '+(codeIn<PERMIT_LINE_IN?'under 4 ft':'at the 4 ft line')+(limitIn?', within the '+blockName+' '+fmt2(limitIn\/12)+' ft gravity limit':'');c.classList.remove('is-bad');}\n  }\n  ['swc-len','swc-ht','swc-bh','swc-bl','swc-bd','swc-cap','swc-waste'].forEach(function(i){$(i).addEventListener('input',run);});\n  var bb=document.querySelectorAll('#swc-blocks .swc__preset');\n  bb.forEach(function(b){b.addEventListener('click',function(){\n    $('swc-bh').value=b.getAttribute('data-h');\n    $('swc-bl').value=b.getAttribute('data-l');\n    $('swc-bd').value=b.getAttribute('data-d');\n    limitIn=parseFloat(b.getAttribute('data-max')); blockName=b.getAttribute('data-name'); $('swc-cap').value=b.getAttribute('data-cap');\n    bb.forEach(function(x){x.classList.remove('is-on');});\n    b.classList.add('is-on');\n    run();\n  });});\n  ['swc-bh','swc-bl','swc-bd'].forEach(function(i){$(i).addEventListener('input',function(){limitIn=0;blockName='';bb.forEach(function(x){x.classList.remove('is-on');});});});\n  var wb=document.querySelectorAll('#swc-wastes .swc__preset');\n  wb.forEach(function(b){b.addEventListener('click',function(){\n    $('swc-waste').value=b.getAttribute('data-v');\n    wb.forEach(function(x){x.classList.remove('is-on');});\n    b.classList.add('is-on');\n    run();\n  });});\n  $('swc-waste').addEventListener('input',function(){wb.forEach(function(x){x.classList.remove('is-on');});});\n  run();\n})();\n<\/script><\/p>\n<div class=\"pm__body\">\n<div class=\"pm__inner\">\n<p>A retaining wall calculator counts blocks as wall length in inches divided by the block face, times the courses, plus waste. Courses are the exposed height divided by block height, plus the buried course.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"pm__tldr\">\n<div class=\"pm__tldr-label\">At a glance<\/div>\n<ol>\n<li>Blocks = (length x 12 \/ face length) x courses x waste, rounded UP.<\/li>\n<li>Bury at least 6 in of the base course. A 6 in block buries one course.<\/li>\n<li>The gravel pad is 6 in deep and 12 in wider than the block.<\/li>\n<li>Drainage stone sits 12 in behind the block or 24 in from the face, whichever is greater.<\/li>\n<li>Over 4 ft tall, expect a permit and often an engineer.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div class=\"pm__tldr-cta\"><span>Price the wall from a photo, free to try.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/swcostestimator.app.link\/ce-ai\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Try SimplyWise Cost Estimator free<\/a><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<h2>How the retaining wall calculator works<\/h2>\n<p>Divide the exposed height by the block height and round up. Then add the buried course.<\/p>\n<p>Belgard's guide says to bury the base course at least 6 in. A 6 or 8 in block buries one course. A 4 in block buries two.<\/p>\n<p>Each course runs the wall length in inches divided by the face length. Multiply by courses, add waste, round UP. Caps are the wall length divided by the cap length, plus waste.<\/p>\n<h2>Worked example: a 40 by 3 ft retaining wall<\/h2>\n<p>This is the calculator's math on its defaults: a 6 by 18 by 9 in Highland Stone block.<\/p>\n<p>Thirty six inches exposed is 6 courses. One buried course makes 7. Each course is 480 in over 18, or 26.67 blocks.<\/p>\n<p>Seven courses is 186.67 blocks. Add 5 percent and you order <strong>196<\/strong>. The caps are 26.67, plus 5 percent, so <strong>28<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>The pad is 40 ft long, 21 in wide and 6 in deep. That is 35 cubic feet, or <strong>1.3 cubic yards<\/strong>. At 1.85 tons a yard, buy <strong>2.4 tons<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>At 9 in deep, 24 in from the face beats 12 in behind. A stone zone 15 in wide and 3.5 ft tall is <strong>6.48 cubic yards<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2>Retaining wall block sizes in the calculator<\/h2>\n<p>Sizes and gravity limits as Belgard publishes them, read October 13, 2026.<\/p>\n<table class=\"pm__table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Block<\/th>\n<th>H x L x D (in)<\/th>\n<th>Per 10 ft course<\/th>\n<th>Gravity limit<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Highland Stone SRW LG<\/td>\n<td>6 x 18 x 9<\/td>\n<td>6.67 blocks<\/td>\n<td>4.5 ft<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Diamond Pro Straight Face<\/td>\n<td>8 x 18 x 12<\/td>\n<td>6.67 blocks<\/td>\n<td>4 ft, buried course included<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Diamond Pro cap<\/td>\n<td>4 x 17\/12 x 10<\/td>\n<td>Tapered, 17 and 12 in faces<\/td>\n<td>Glued on top<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2>What the retaining wall calculator assumes for base and drainage<\/h2>\n<p>The pad is 3\/4 in minus base, at least 6 in deep after compaction. It runs 6 in past the block front and back.<\/p>\n<p>Drainage stone is 3\/4 in free draining aggregate. The pipe is 4 in perforated, with outlets no more than 50 ft apart.<\/p>\n<div class=\"pm__callout\">\n<p>We run the stone the full block height. Your plans may stop it lower.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"pm__promo\">\n<h2>Turn the takeoff into a signed quote<\/h2>\n<p>The calculator gives quantities. SimplyWise Cost Estimator turns a photo into an itemized estimate in about 6 seconds, with material pricing from the Home Depot closest to your registered zip.<\/p>\n<p>The estimate becomes a branded quote the client signs, then an invoice with a deposit field. Pricing is $29.99\/mo or $239.99\/yr, about $20\/mo on annual, with a 7-day free trial.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"pm__btn\" href=\"https:\/\/swcostestimator.app.link\/ce-ai\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Try SimplyWise Cost Estimator free<\/a><br \/>\n<\/section>\n<h2>When a retaining wall needs an engineer or a permit<\/h2>\n<p>Saint Paul requires a permit once any point of the wall tops 4 ft. It measures from the base of the footing to the top of the wall.<\/p>\n<p>Inver Grove Heights uses the same 4 ft line, plus any wall carrying a surcharge. Its submittal calls for plans by a licensed structural engineer.<\/p>\n<p>The block sets its own limit too. Diamond Pro builds gravity walls to 4 ft, buried course included. Past the gravity height, Belgard's guide recommends geogrid and an engineer.<\/p>\n<p>The calculator flags both; check your city's handout.<\/p>\n<h2>Lay out the wall in this order<\/h2>\n<ol class=\"pm__steps\">\n<li>\n<h3>Measure the run and the drop<\/h3>\n<p>Length along the face, exposed height at the tallest point.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3>Pick the block before the count<\/h3>\n<p>Block height sets the course count and the buried course.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3>Dig for the pad and the buried course<\/h3>\n<p>The trench runs 12 in wider than the block and 6 in below its bottom.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3>Order block, cap and stone together<\/h3>\n<p>One delivery keeps the color lot matched.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p class=\"pm__inline-cta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/swcostestimator.app.link\/ce-ai\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Try SimplyWise Cost Estimator free<\/a> and quote the wall from a photo.<\/p>\n<div class=\"pm__next\">\n<h2>Keep reading<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/retaining-wall-cost\/\">retaining wall cost<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/retaining-wall-repair-cost\/\">retaining wall repair cost<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/paver-calculator\/\">paver calculator<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/cost-estimator\">SimplyWise Cost Estimator<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"pm__sources\">\n<h2>Sources<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/static.getfastr.com\/62ebb7352a22915f359dbbe2\/bfceb77e-cdc9-81e1-8008-3b1640917aaf\/files\/dd67896c-a5bc-81d4-8008-3b49e3a90466\/seo\/variants\/dd67896c-a5bc-81d4-8008-3b4a371a345c\/pages\/32.html\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Belgard Technical Resource Guide, retaining wall installation<\/a> (burial, pad, drainage, pipe; 2026-10-13).<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.belgard.com\/product\/highland-stone\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Belgard, Highland Stone<\/a> (size, gravity limit; 2026-10-13).<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/gis.sanantonio.gov\/OHPSystemDocs\/api\/Attachments\/GetRequestAttachment\/%7B80331E98-0000-C71A-90BE-DA8E5F00B6A1%7D\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Belgard Diamond Pro spec sheet BEL22-412<\/a> (sizes, gravity limit; 2026-10-13).<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/orders.oldcastleapg.com\/caps-coping-edgers\/caps\/belgard-retaining-wall-12-x-4-x-18-cap\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Oldcastle APG, Belgard 12 x 4 x 18 in wall cap<\/a> (2026-10-13).<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/wsdot.wa.gov\/publications\/manuals\/fulltext\/m22-01\/620.pdf\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Washington State DOT Design Manual, Exhibit 620-1<\/a> (1.85 tons per yard; 2026-10-13).<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stpaul.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/Media%20Root\/Safety%20%26%20Inspections\/DSI.Bldg_RetainingWalls.pdf\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">City of Saint Paul, Retaining Walls<\/a> (2026-10-13).<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ighmn.gov\/DocumentCenter\/View\/6230\/Retaining-Wall\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">City of Inver Grove Heights, Retaining Walls<\/a> (2026-10-13).<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/us\/app\/simplywise-cost-estimator\/id6670619664\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">SimplyWise Cost Estimator, App Store<\/a> (4.8 rating).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"pm__faq\">\n<div class=\"pm__inner\">\n<h2>Common questions on retaining wall blocks<\/h2>\n<details>\n<summary>How many blocks do I need for a 40 ft retaining wall?<\/summary>\n<div>\n<p>At 3 ft exposed with a 6 by 18 in block, 196 blocks. That is 7 courses of 26.67 blocks, plus 5 percent waste.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>How deep do you bury the first course?<\/summary>\n<div>\n<p>At least 6 in, per the Belgard installation guide. A 6 or 8 in block buries one full course. A 4 in block buries two.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>How much gravel goes under a retaining wall?<\/summary>\n<div>\n<p>A pad 6 in deep and 12 in wider than the block. Under a 40 ft wall of 9 in deep block that is 1.3 cubic yards, or 2.4 tons.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>How tall can a retaining wall be without a permit?<\/summary>\n<div>\n<p>Saint Paul and Inver Grove Heights draw the line at 4 ft. A surcharge such as a driveway can trigger a permit at any height.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>Can SimplyWise price a retaining wall from a photo?<\/summary>\n<div>\n<p>Yes. SimplyWise Cost Estimator turns a photo into an itemized estimate in about 6 seconds. Free to try, $29.99\/mo or $239.99\/yr.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"pm__final\">\n<div class=\"pm__inner\">\n<span class=\"pm__eyebrow\">Order once<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Turn the wall takeoff into a signed quote.<\/h2>\n<p>Snap a photo and get an itemized estimate in about 6 seconds. Free to try.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"pm__btn pm__btn--lg\" href=\"https:\/\/swcostestimator.app.link\/ce-ai\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Try SimplyWise Cost Estimator free<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/article>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"BlogPosting\",\n  \"headline\": \"Retaining Wall Calculator: Blocks, Caps, Base, and Drainage\",\n  \"description\": \"A retaining wall calculator that turns wall length, exposed height and block size into blocks to order, courses including the buried course, cap blocks, base gravel in cubic yards and tons, drainage stone, drain pipe, and a 4 ft permit check.\",\n  \"author\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n    \"name\": \"SimplyWise\"\n  },\n  \"publisher\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n    \"name\": \"SimplyWise\",\n    \"logo\": {\n      \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n      \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/icon-512x512.png\"\n    }\n  },\n  \"datePublished\": \"2026-10-19\",\n  \"dateModified\": \"2026-10-19\",\n  \"mainEntityOfPage\": {\n    \"@type\": \"WebPage\",\n    \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/retaining-wall-calculator\/\"\n  },\n  \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/retaining-wall-calculator\/\",\n  \"image\": [\n    \"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1791326969810-862e662cb6fe?w=1400&h=700&fit=crop&q=80&auto=format\"\n  ]\n}\n<\/script><br \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"HowTo\",\n  \"name\": \"How to Calculate Retaining Wall Blocks, Caps, Base, and Drainage\",\n  \"step\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"HowToStep\",\n      \"position\": 1,\n      \"name\": \"Measure the run and the drop\",\n      \"text\": \"Take the wall length along the face and the exposed height at the tallest point. Those two numbers drive every quantity on the list.\"\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"HowToStep\",\n      \"position\": 2,\n      \"name\": \"Pick the block before the count\",\n      \"text\": \"Block height sets the number of courses and how many courses get buried. Belgard's installation guide buries the base course at least 6 inches, so a 6 or 8 inch block buries one course and a 4 inch block buries two.\"\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"HowToStep\",\n      \"position\": 3,\n      \"name\": \"Dig for the pad and the buried course\",\n      \"text\": \"Belgard's guide sets the leveling pad trench at least 12 inches wider than the block and 6 inches below its bottom. The pad is 3\/4 inch minus compactable base, at least 6 inches deep after compaction.\"\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"HowToStep\",\n      \"position\": 4,\n      \"name\": \"Order block, cap and stone together\",\n      \"text\": \"Order the wall block, the cap block, the base gravel, the drainage stone and the 4 inch perforated drain pipe in one delivery so the color lot matches and the crew keeps moving.\"\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script><br \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"How many blocks do I need for a 40 ft retaining wall?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"At 3 ft exposed with a 6 by 18 in block, 196 blocks. That is 7 courses of 26.67 blocks, plus 5 percent waste.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"How deep do you bury the first course?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"At least 6 in, per the Belgard installation guide. A 6 or 8 in block buries one full course. A 4 in block buries two.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"How much gravel goes under a retaining wall?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"A pad 6 in deep and 12 in wider than the block. Under a 40 ft wall of 9 in deep block that is 1.3 cubic yards, or 2.4 tons.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"How tall can a retaining wall be without a permit?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Saint Paul and Inver Grove Heights draw the line at 4 ft. A surcharge such as a driveway can trigger a permit at any height.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Can SimplyWise price a retaining wall from a photo?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Yes. SimplyWise Cost Estimator turns a photo into an itemized estimate in about 6 seconds. Free to try, $29.99\/mo or $239.99\/yr.\"\n      }\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script><br \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"BreadcrumbList\",\n  \"itemListElement\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n      \"position\": 1,\n      \"name\": \"Blog\",\n      \"item\": \"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/\"\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n      \"position\": 2,\n      \"name\": \"Construction Calculators\",\n      \"item\": \"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/construction-calculators\/\"\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n      \"position\": 3,\n      \"name\": \"Retaining Wall Calculator\",\n      \"item\": \"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/retaining-wall-calculator\/\"\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Blog &nbsp;&rsaquo;&nbsp; Construction Calculators &nbsp;&rsaquo;&nbsp; Retaining Wall Calculator Contractor Calculator &middot; Retaining Walls Retaining Wall Calculator: Blocks, Caps, Base, and Drainage Set the length, the height and the block. The full material list updates as you type. Try SimplyWise Cost Estimator freeFree to try. A photo becomes an itemized estimate in about 6 seconds. &#9733;&#9733;&#9733;&#9733;&#9733; [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"retaining wall calculator","_yoast_wpseo_title":"Retaining Wall Calculator: Blocks, Caps, Base, Drainage","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Free retaining wall calculator: enter length and height for blocks, caps, base gravel, drainage stone and drain pipe, plus a 4 ft permit check.","_yoast_wpseo_linkdex":"81","_yoast_wpseo_content_score":"90","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-noindex":"","_yoast_wpseo_canonical":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[180],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11909","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-cost-guides"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Retaining Wall Calculator: Blocks, Caps, Base, Drainage<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Free retaining wall calculator: enter length and height for blocks, caps, base gravel, drainage stone and drain pipe, plus a 4 ft permit check.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/retaining-wall-calculator\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Retaining Wall Calculator: Blocks, Caps, Base, Drainage\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Free retaining wall calculator: enter length and height for blocks, caps, base gravel, drainage stone and drain pipe, plus a 4 ft permit check.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/retaining-wall-calculator\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"SimplyWise Cost Estimator\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-10-19T09:00:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-10-19T15:28:51+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1791326969810-862e662cb6fe?w=1400&amp;h=700&amp;fit=crop&amp;q=80&amp;auto=format\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Daniel Chinchilla\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Daniel Chinchilla\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/retaining-wall-calculator\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/retaining-wall-calculator\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Daniel Chinchilla\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/c6b02975b13398fa4764650c8d5610ac\"},\"headline\":\"Retaining Wall Calculator: Blocks, Caps, Base, and Drainage\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-10-19T09:00:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-10-19T15:28:51+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/retaining-wall-calculator\/\"},\"wordCount\":1200,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/#organization\"},\"articleSection\":[\"Project Cost Guides\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/retaining-wall-calculator\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/retaining-wall-calculator\/\",\"name\":\"Retaining Wall Calculator: Blocks, Caps, Base, Drainage\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2026-10-19T09:00:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-10-19T15:28:51+00:00\",\"description\":\"Free retaining wall calculator: enter length and height for blocks, caps, base gravel, drainage stone and drain pipe, plus a 4 ft permit check.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/retaining-wall-calculator\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/retaining-wall-calculator\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/retaining-wall-calculator\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Retaining Wall Calculator: Blocks, Caps, Base, and Drainage\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"SimplyWise Cost Estimator\",\"description\":\"Blog\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/#organization\",\"name\":\"SimplyWise Cost Estimator\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/simplywise-logo-512x512-1.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/simplywise-logo-512x512-1.png\",\"width\":512,\"height\":512,\"caption\":\"SimplyWise Cost Estimator\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.crunchbase.com\/organization\/simplywise\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/c6b02975b13398fa4764650c8d5610ac\",\"name\":\"Daniel Chinchilla\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/1b1ee77005dde5ba597d7ae9e0e68fa11a123fd406740e5e70c7c1ed738d177f?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/1b1ee77005dde5ba597d7ae9e0e68fa11a123fd406740e5e70c7c1ed738d177f?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Daniel Chinchilla\"},\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/author\/daniel\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Retaining Wall Calculator: Blocks, Caps, Base, Drainage","description":"Free retaining wall calculator: enter length and height for blocks, caps, base gravel, drainage stone and drain pipe, plus a 4 ft permit check.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/retaining-wall-calculator\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Retaining Wall Calculator: Blocks, Caps, Base, Drainage","og_description":"Free retaining wall calculator: enter length and height for blocks, caps, base gravel, drainage stone and drain pipe, plus a 4 ft permit check.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/retaining-wall-calculator\/","og_site_name":"SimplyWise Cost Estimator","article_published_time":"2026-10-19T09:00:00+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-10-19T15:28:51+00:00","og_image":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1791326969810-862e662cb6fe?w=1400&amp;h=700&amp;fit=crop&amp;q=80&amp;auto=format"}],"author":"Daniel Chinchilla","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Daniel Chinchilla","Est. reading time":"6 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/retaining-wall-calculator\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/retaining-wall-calculator\/"},"author":{"name":"Daniel Chinchilla","@id":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/c6b02975b13398fa4764650c8d5610ac"},"headline":"Retaining Wall Calculator: Blocks, Caps, Base, and Drainage","datePublished":"2026-10-19T09:00:00+00:00","dateModified":"2026-10-19T15:28:51+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/retaining-wall-calculator\/"},"wordCount":1200,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/#organization"},"articleSection":["Project Cost Guides"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/retaining-wall-calculator\/","url":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/retaining-wall-calculator\/","name":"Retaining Wall Calculator: Blocks, Caps, Base, Drainage","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/#website"},"datePublished":"2026-10-19T09:00:00+00:00","dateModified":"2026-10-19T15:28:51+00:00","description":"Free retaining wall calculator: enter length and height for blocks, caps, base gravel, drainage stone and drain pipe, plus a 4 ft permit check.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/retaining-wall-calculator\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/retaining-wall-calculator\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/retaining-wall-calculator\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Retaining Wall Calculator: Blocks, Caps, Base, and Drainage"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/","name":"SimplyWise Cost Estimator","description":"Blog","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"SimplyWise Cost Estimator","url":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/simplywise-logo-512x512-1.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/simplywise-logo-512x512-1.png","width":512,"height":512,"caption":"SimplyWise Cost Estimator"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.crunchbase.com\/organization\/simplywise"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/c6b02975b13398fa4764650c8d5610ac","name":"Daniel Chinchilla","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/1b1ee77005dde5ba597d7ae9e0e68fa11a123fd406740e5e70c7c1ed738d177f?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/1b1ee77005dde5ba597d7ae9e0e68fa11a123fd406740e5e70c7c1ed738d177f?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Daniel Chinchilla"},"url":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/author\/daniel\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11909","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11909"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11909\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12150,"href":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11909\/revisions\/12150"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11909"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11909"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11909"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}