# Gabion Calculator

Calculate stone fill for gabion walls and baskets. Enter dimensions to find volume, weight in tons, and number of baskets needed.

## What this calculates

Gabion walls are wire mesh baskets filled with stone, used for retaining walls, erosion control, and landscaping. Enter your wall dimensions to calculate how much stone fill you need and how many standard baskets to order.

## Inputs

- **Wall Length** (ft) — min 0 — Total length of the gabion wall.
- **Wall Height** (ft) — min 0 — Height of the gabion wall.
- **Wall Depth** (ft) — min 0 — Depth (thickness) of the gabion wall. Standard baskets are 3 ft deep.
- **Stone Density** (lb/ft³) — min 50, max 150 — Typical: 95-105 lb/ft³ for crushed stone.
- **Price Per Ton** ($) — min 0

## Outputs

- **Total Volume** (ft³)
- **Total Volume** (yd³)
- **Stone Weight** (tons) — Total stone weight needed.
- **Standard Baskets (3x3x3)**
- **Estimated Cost** — formatted as currency

## Details

A gabion wall measuring 20 feet long, 3 feet high, and 3 feet deep requires 180 cubic feet of stone fill -- about 6.7 cubic yards or 9 tons. That takes roughly 7 standard 3x3x3 baskets.

**Choosing gabion stone:** The fill stone should be larger than the mesh openings (typically 4-8 inches diameter). Angular crushed stone locks together better than round river rock, creating a more stable wall.

**Installation tips:**
- Place baskets on a level, compacted base
- Wire baskets together with lacing wire for structural integrity
- Fill in 12-inch layers, hand-placing face stones for a clean look
- For walls over 3 feet high, step back each course or consult an engineer

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: How much does a gabion wall cost?**

A: Gabion baskets cost $15-$50 each. Stone fill runs $25-$75 per ton delivered. A 20-foot wall that is 3 feet high typically costs $500-$1,500 for materials. Labor adds $20-$40 per square face foot if hiring a contractor.

**Q: How long do gabion walls last?**

A: Gabion walls with galvanized or PVC-coated wire last 50-100 years. The stone fill is essentially permanent. Standard galvanized wire lasts 40-60 years and PVC-coated wire exceeds 100 years in most environments.

**Q: What size stone works best for gabion baskets?**

A: Stone should be 1.5 to 2 times the mesh opening size, typically 4-8 inches for standard baskets. Angular crushed stone is preferred over round river rock because it interlocks and creates a more stable structure.

---

Source: https://vastcalc.com/calculators/construction/gabion
Category: Construction
Last updated: 2026-04-08