Retaining Wall Concrete Calculator
Enter the wall stem here, then choose Add another area and enter the footing with the Footing shape. The order panel totals both.
Last updated November 13, 2026
How to calculate concrete for a retaining wall
A poured retaining wall has two parts: the upright stem and the footing it stands on. Work out each one and add them.
- Stem: length × height × thickness.
- Footing: length × width × depth.
Example: a 30 ft wall with a stem 4 ft high and 8 inches thick, on a footing 3 ft wide and 12 inches deep. Stem: 30 × 4 × 0.667 = 80 cubic feet. Footing: 30 × 3 × 1 = 90 cubic feet. Total 170 cubic feet, or 6.30 cubic yards.
Stem volume per 10 ft of wall
| Stem height | 8 in thick | 10 in thick | 12 in thick |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 ft | 0.49 yd³ | 0.62 yd³ | 0.74 yd³ |
| 3 ft | 0.74 yd³ | 0.93 yd³ | 1.11 yd³ |
| 4 ft | 0.99 yd³ | 1.23 yd³ | 1.48 yd³ |
| 6 ft | 1.48 yd³ | 1.85 yd³ | 2.22 yd³ |
In the example, the footing holds more concrete than the stem. Leaving it out would cut the order by more than half.
This is a structural wall
A retaining wall resists the weight of soil and water behind it. Height, thickness, footing size, reinforcement and drainage all need to be right. Use dimensions from your local code or an engineer, and use this calculator for the quantity.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate concrete for a retaining wall?
Work out the wall stem as length × height × thickness and the footing as length × width × depth, then add them. The calculator totals both when you add the footing as a second area.
How thick should a concrete retaining wall be?
That depends on the height, the soil and what sits above the wall. Retaining walls hold back heavy loads, so the dimensions should come from your local code or an engineer.
Do I need a permit for a retaining wall?
Many jurisdictions require a permit and an engineered design above a certain height. Check with your building department before you start.