Retaining Wall Concrete Calculation: Ensuring Stability and Value in LA Landscaping
- Mara Castro
- Oct 30
- 3 min read
Need a retaining wall concrete calculation? Learn the footing + stem math and ordering tips. Bloom Works uses 3D scans for precise, code-ready results in LA.
For any Los Angeles property owner planning a structural project—especially a retaining wall on one of the region's common slopes—understanding the concrete requirements is crucial.
An accurate retaining wall concrete calculation is necessary for two main reasons: structural integrity (ensuring the wall can hold the lateral soil pressure) and budgeting (ordering the correct amount of material to avoid costly delays or waste).
While final, detailed engineering calculations must be done by a certified structural engineer (which is required by the city for permits), knowing the basic volumetric math helps you understand the scope and material costs of your project.
At Bloom Works Landscape, our 25+ years of experience ensures we factor these critical structural calculations into our upfront 3D design technology planning
The Two Components of the Concrete Calculation
A typical concrete retaining wall is composed of two main parts: the footing (the wide, subsurface base) and the stem (the vertical part you see).
We must calculate the volume for both sections and then combine them.
Calculating the Footing Volume
The footing is a large, rectangular slab below the ground that provides the stability and bearing surface for the entire wall.
Formula for Volume of a Rectangular Prism:
Step 1: Determine Dimensions. Measure the total Length of the wall. Determine the required Width and Height (or thickness) of the footing based on engineering specifications (often related to the height of the wall).
Step 2: Calculate Volume in Cubic Feet. Multiply these three dimensions (in feet).
Step 3: Convert to Cubic Yards (The Ordering Unit). Concrete is always ordered by the cubic yard. Since 1 cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet:
Calculating the Stem (Wall) Volume
The stem is the vertical part of the wall, which is essentially a long, thin slab of concrete.
Formula for Volume of a Rectangular Prism:
Step 1: Determine Dimensions. Use the same Length as the footing. Measure the Thickness of the wall (e.g., 10 inches or 0.83 feet) and the total Height of the wall above the footing.
Step 2: Calculate Volume in Cubic Feet. Multiply these three dimensions (ensure all units are in feet).
Step 3: Convert to Cubic Yards. Divide the result by 27.
The Final Calculation and Ordering
3. Total Concrete Needed
Add the two volumes together:
The Bloom Works Safety Margin
As experienced professionals with 25+ years of experience, we always account for inaccuracies in grading, formwork, and ground conditions.
Add a Buffer: We typically add a 5% to 10% safety margin to the final calculated volume. Running short on concrete is extremely expensive and detrimental to the structural integrity of the pour.
Featured Snippet Opportunity: "How do you calculate concrete for a retaining wall?"
To calculate concrete for a retaining wall, you must first calculate the volume of the footing () and the volume of the stem (), both in cubic feet.
Add these volumes, divide the total by 27 (to get cubic yards), and then add a 5% to 10% safety margin to ensure enough material is ordered.
Structural Integrity: The Real Value
In structural hardscaping like retaining walls, the material calculation is secondary to the engineering. This is where our specialized services and technology provide unmatched value:
3D Design and Point-Cloud Scans: We use laser scans to get highly precise measurements of your existing terrain. This ensures our engineers' calculations are based on exact site conditions, eliminating costly guesswork.
Expert Oversight: Our bilingual multicultural team oversees the formwork and pour to ensure the concrete cures correctly, meeting the strict standards required for longevity and the structural load of the LA hillside.
Call us at 1-818-522-2476 or email us at info@bloomworks.la for a custom quote on expert tree maintenance or a comprehensive landscape transformation.
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