Gutter Size Calculator
Estimated Total Cost
$915 – $2,070
$7.63 – $17.25 per linear foot
Recommended
6" Gutters
Gutter Length
120 LF
Downspouts
3
Material Cost
$870 – $1,980
Accessories
$45 – $90
Size Upgrade Recommended: Based on your roof area, pitch, and rainfall, 6" gutters are recommended. 6" gutters handle 40% more water than 5" and prevent overflow during heavy rain.
Seamless vs Sectional: Seamless gutters cost $1–$3 more per LF but have fewer leak points. Most professionals install seamless gutters on-site.
Additional costs: Gutter guards ($6–$12/LF), fascia repair ($6–$20/LF), corners ($10–$20 each), end caps ($5–$10 each).
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Gutter Cost Breakdown
| Profile | Vinyl | Aluminum | Steel | Copper |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K-Style 5" | $3 – $8/LF | $6 – $14/LF | $8 – $18/LF | $21 – $49/LF |
| K-Style 6" | $4 – $10/LF | $8 – $18/LF | $10 – $23/LF | $28 – $63/LF |
| Half-Round 5" | $4 – $9/LF | $8 – $16/LF | $10 – $21/LF | $28 – $56/LF |
| Half-Round 6" | $6 – $11/LF | $10 – $20/LF | $13 – $26/LF | $35 – $70/LF |
* Installed costs including labor. Vinyl = 0.55×, Steel = 1.3×, Copper = 3.5× aluminum baseline.
Recommended Gutter Size
| Roof Area | Light Rain | Moderate | Heavy | Extreme |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 sqft | 5" | 5" | 5" | 6" |
| 1,500 – 2,500 sqft | 5" | 5" | 6" | 6" |
| Over 2,500 sqft | 5" | 6" | 6" | 6" |
* For medium pitch roofs. Steep pitches increase runoff and may require upgrading to 6".
How We Calculate
Our gutter size calculator determines the optimal gutter size based on roof area, roof pitch, rainfall intensity, and material choice. Total cost = gutter cost + downspout cost + accessories.
Sizing formula: Adjusted Roof Area = Roof Square Footage × Pitch Factor × Rainfall Factor. Pitch factors range from 1.0× (low pitch) to 1.2× (very steep). Rainfall factors range from 1.0× (light) to 2.5× (extreme). 5-inch gutters handle 5,520 sq in/hr capacity; 6-inch gutters handle 7,960 sq in/hr — 40% more water flow.
Gutter Material Comparison
Vinyl ($8–$12/LF) — Budget option, 10–15 year lifespan, can crack in extreme cold. Aluminum ($10–$20/LF) — Most popular, 20–30 years, rust-resistant, paintable. Steel ($13–$26/LF) — Strongest, 20–30 years, requires rust protection. Copper ($25–$60/LF) — Premium, 50+ years, develops patina, no painting needed.
Downspout Sizing
One downspout per 600 sqft of roof. Standard sizing: 2×3" downspouts for 5" gutters, 3×4" downspouts for 6" gutters. Each downspout is typically 10 linear feet and costs $50–$100 installed.
Additional Costs
Gutter guards ($6–$12/LF), inside/outside corners ($10–$20 each), end caps ($5–$10), fascia repair ($6–$20/LF if damaged), seamless upgrade ($1–$3/LF premium).
Data Sources
Pricing from HomeGuide, HomeAdvisor, This Old House, and verified gutter contractor estimates across multiple US regions (February 2026). Material multipliers based on manufacturer pricing.
Last updated: 2026-02-05
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose between 5-inch and 6-inch gutters? +
Choose 6-inch gutters if your roof area exceeds 5,520 square feet of adjusted capacity, you live in heavy rainfall areas (Southeast, Gulf Coast), have steep roof pitches (7:12 or higher), or have large trees nearby. 5-inch K-style gutters work for most standard homes with moderate rainfall.
What's the difference between K-Style and Half-Round gutters? +
K-Style gutters have a flat back and decorative front resembling crown molding — they're the most common choice and hold 40% more water than half-round. Half-Round gutters are semicircular, easier to clean, and suit historic or traditional homes. Half-round costs $2–$6 more per linear foot.
Which gutter material is best? +
Aluminum is the best value for most homes — lightweight, rust-resistant, and lasts 20–30 years at $10–$20/LF installed. Vinyl is cheapest ($8–$12/LF) but only lasts 10–15 years. Steel is more durable ($13–$26/LF) for harsh climates. Copper is premium ($25–$60/LF) with 50+ year lifespan.
How is gutter size calculated? +
Gutter sizing uses the formula: Adjusted Roof Area = Roof Square Footage × Pitch Factor × Rainfall Factor. 5-inch gutters handle up to 5,520 square inches per hour of runoff. 6-inch gutters handle up to 7,960 square inches per hour. Steeper roofs and heavier rainfall increase the adjusted area.
How many downspouts do I need? +
Install one downspout for every 600 square feet of roof area. A typical home with 1,800 sqft of roof needs 3 downspouts. Downspouts should be 2×3 inches for 5-inch gutters or 3×4 inches for 6-inch gutters. Place them at corners and every 40 feet of gutter run.
Are gutter guards worth it? +
Gutter guards cost $6–$12 per linear foot but reduce cleaning from 2× per year to once every 2–3 years. They're worth it if you have many trees, hate ladder work, or have a multi-story home. Micro-mesh guards are most effective. Total ROI depends on your cleaning costs ($150–$400 per visit).
How long do copper gutters last? +
Copper gutters last 50–100 years with proper installation — the longest of any material. They develop a natural green patina over 10–15 years and never need painting. Despite costing 3–4× more than aluminum upfront, copper's longevity makes it cost-effective for historic homes or permanent residences.
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