Stone Wall Calculator

How to Calculate the Amount of Wall Stone Needed

Building a stone wall requires precision to make sure you order the correct amount of material. Use this step-by-step guide to measure exactly how much stone you need for your project.

Step 1: Measure Your Wall Dimensions

Accurate measurements are the foundation of a successful stone wall project. Before estimating materials, carefully measure these key dimensions:

• Wall Length: Measure the entire horizontal span of the wall in feet. If your wall has curves or segments, break it into smaller sections and measure each one separately.
• Wall Height: Measure from the base to the top of the wall in feet. If the ground is uneven, take multiple height measurements and use the average.

Wall Thickness: Unlike length and height, thickness is measured in inches. Make sure to include any hidden structural portions in your measurement.

Step 2: Calculate the Volume of the Wall

Once you have your wall’s length, height, and thickness, the next step is to determine how much space the stone will occupy. This is done by calculating the wall’s total volume in cubic feet using the following formula:

Wall Volume (cubic feet) = Length × Height × (Thickness/12​)

Since wall thickness is measured in inches, dividing by 12 converts it to feet, keeping all units consistent.

Example Calculation: Let’s say your wall is 30 feet long, 5 feet high, and 12 inches thick. Plugging these values into the formula: 30 × 5 × (12/12​) = 150 ft³

Step 3: Account for Waste

When working with natural stone, some material is always lost due to cutting, shaping, and irregular stone sizes. To avoid shortages, it’s recommended to add 15% extra to account for waste.

Total Stone Volume = Wall Volume × 1.15

Example Calculation: Using our previous example, where the wall volume was 150 cubic feet, we apply the 15% waste factor: 150 × 1.15 = 172.5 ft³

Step 4: Convert Volume to Weight (Tons)

Since stone is typically sold by weight, not volume, you’ll need to convert cubic feet to tons. Our calculator does this using a standard stone density of 150 lbs per cubic foot. The conversion formula is:

Stone Weight = Total Stone Volume × 150

Since 1 ton = 2,000 lbs, we divide the total weight by 2,000 to get the number of tons needed:

Stone Needed in Tons = Stone Weight/2000​

Example Calculation: Using our adjusted stone volume of 172.5 cubic feet:

172.5 × 150=25,875 lbs

25,875/2000=12.94 tons

Step 5: Estimate the Cost (Optional)

If you already know the price per ton from your stone supplier, you can quickly calculate the total estimated cost using this formula:

Estimated Cost = Stone Needed in Tons × Price per Ton

Example Calculation (assuming $50 per ton):

12.94 × 50 = $647

Recommended Wall Thickness

Choosing the right wall thickness is essential for stability, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Whether you’re constructing a retaining wall, freestanding structure, or decorative feature, the thickness you select affects both function and aesthetics. Use this table as a quick reference guide:

💡 Pro Tip: If your wall is over 3 feet high, reinforce it with extra width or support layers to prevent shifting and improve stability over time.

How Deep Should the Foundation Be?

The foundation depth of your wall depends on its height and purpose. Taller walls bear more weight and pressure, meaning they require a wider and deeper base for proper support. Use this guide as a general reference: