CurveSetHow to calculate your wall
- Choose straight, inside-curve or outside-curve geometry.
- Enter finished wall height above grade; the calculator rounds to full courses.
- Choose a block system and adjust buried courses, cap coverage and waste if needed.
FREE RETAINING WALL PLANNING TOOL
Free Retaining Wall Calculator
Start with the dimensions you know, not a guess at the number of courses. Select your block, enter exposed wall height and wall length or curve radius, then check the estimated quantity.
Use free calculatorOpen calculator in full screen ↗Worked example
A 20-foot straight wall with 2.5 feet of exposed height, VERSA-LOK Standard blocks, one buried course and 10% extra needs an estimated 103 blocks and 15 caps.
These are preliminary quantities, not a substitute for site measurements or product specifications.
Planning tip: The top-course run is used for a first-pass cap count. Corner details, caps and cut pieces can change actual totals.
CURVESET FIELD GUIDE
How many blocks does a curved retaining wall need?
Understand radius, height, course setback and waste with a worked 90-degree wall example. Then open its measurements in the free calculator.
Read the curved wall calculation guide ↗
What this estimate includes
The website estimates straightforward wall runs. S-walls, rounded U-walls and combined layouts are handled in the CurveSet app.
Frequently asked question
Does the web calculator include gravel and drainage? No. Those are configured in the app's sitework tools, along with excavation, construction views and more detailed takeoffs.
Need more than a first-pass estimate?
CurveSet's Android and iOS app adds S-walls, rounded U-walls, 3D views, excavation and drainage takeoffs, saved projects and installation planning. Lifetime Pro adds unlimited projects, complete printable PDFs and detailed cut and field records.
See CurveSet mobile features ↗