Calculate gabion baskets and rock fill
Enter the wall run, total basket height and the length, depth and height of one rectangular basket. The tool rounds the run and height up to whole baskets, then shows the actual assembled dimensions. Include any plan-specified buried baskets in the total height; the calculator does not choose embedment.
This is a uniform rectangular layout, one basket deep, using one basket size in every course. For an exact fit, use your supplier’s basket schedule rather than assuming an end basket can be cut. Tapered, battered, curved, stepped or mixed-size layouts need their own checked basket schedule.
Gabion basket and stone formulas
The fill volume follows the whole baskets, including any extra length or height created by rounding. The editable stone allowance applies to that volume and estimated stone weight; it does not add spare baskets. This geometric model treats the entered basket dimensions as both layout dimensions and approximate fill dimensions. Confirm usable capacity when product details differ.
Baskets per course = round up(wall run ÷ basket length) Courses = round up(total basket height ÷ basket height) Total baskets = baskets per course × courses Fill volume = total baskets × basket length × basket depth × basket height Stone order volume = fill volume × (1 + allowance ÷ 100) Estimated stone mass = stone order volume × entered bulk density US cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27; US short tons = pounds ÷ 2,000
Worked example: 30 ft run, 6 ft total basket height
With generic 6 ft long × 3 ft deep × 3 ft high baskets, a 30 ft run uses five baskets per course and two courses: ten baskets. Each basket has a geometric volume of 54 ft³, giving 540 ft³, or 20 yd³, before allowance. These dimensions illustrate the arithmetic; they are not a retaining wall design.
A 5% stone allowance gives 21 yd³. At the illustrative supplier density of 2,860 lb/yd³, that is 60,060 lb, or 30.03 US short tons of stone. Mesh weight is excluded. Replace the example density and allowance with the actual quarry and product requirements.
| Run × total height | 6 × 3 × 3 ft baskets | Net fill | Stone with 5% | At 2,860 lb/yd³ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 ft × 3 ft | 2 | 4 yd³ | 4.2 yd³ | 6.006 US short tons |
| 24 ft × 3 ft | 4 | 8 yd³ | 8.4 yd³ | 12.012 US short tons |
| 30 ft × 6 ft | 10 | 20 yd³ | 21 yd³ | 30.03 US short tons |
| 31 ft × 6 ft | 12; assembled run 36 ft | 24 yd³ | 25.2 yd³ | 36.036 US short tons |
Use bulk density for the filled basket
Use a supplier-confirmed bulk density on the same volume basis as the filled basket. The stone particles leave voids, so solid rock density is not interchangeable with the mass of stone per filled cubic yard. Do not subtract a void percentage again when the supplied bulk density already accounts for those spaces.
Gabion1 USA currently publishes an approximate fill weight of 2,860 lb/yd³. That is the editable starting example here, not a universal quarry density. The source was checked October 29, 2026. The extra allowance is a separate purchasing assumption; confirm whether a supplier’s quoted coverage already includes it.
Confirm the basket schedule before ordering
Confirm fill grading against the selected mesh, usable basket volume, wire and coating, internal partitions, bracing, closures and connection details with the product supplier. Those components and basket tare weight are not estimated. A stone mass is not the total lifted or installed assembly weight.
Foundation preparation, drainage, geotextile, reinforcement, stability, support posts and permits need the project’s separate details. The tool does not choose a safe wall depth or height. No manufacturer partnership or completed independent engineering review is claimed.
Frequently asked questions
How much rock do I need to fill a gabion basket?
Multiply the basket’s fill length, depth and height. A generic 6 × 3 × 3 ft basket holds about 54 ft³, or 2 yd³, before an entered purchasing allowance. Confirm usable capacity and fill requirements with the actual supplier.
Does this calculate a safe gabion retaining wall width?
No. Basket depth is a dimension you enter from an established layout. The calculator does not check sliding, overturning, bearing capacity, drainage or global stability.
Why can the result be longer or taller than my wall?
The tool uses whole baskets of one size. A 31 ft run with 6 ft baskets needs six baskets per course and gives 36 ft of assembled run. Use a supplier-confirmed mix of basket sizes when you need a closer fit.
Are US tons the same as metric tonnes?
No. One US short ton is 2,000 lb; one metric tonne is 1,000 kg. Changing the unit setting converts the same physical dimensions and density rather than starting a different project.
References and scope
Arithmetic and worked examples are explained on our methodology page. The cited sources provide product, pricing or local approval context; they do not approve a generic wall. References checked October 29, 2026.
- Gabion1 USA: current gabion rock-fill informationThe supplier gives an approximate 2,860 lb/yd³ example. Confirm the actual fill, mesh compatibility and density for your order.
- Maccaferri USA: gabion systemsManufacturer context for rock-filled wire containers and different gabion products. No partnership or design approval is implied.
Read the estimating and engineering limits, or send a correction.