Gutter Calculator — How Many Feet of Gutter Do I Need?
Enter your home's dimensions and roof type to get linear feet of gutter, downspouts, and hangers needed.
How to Calculate Gutter Materials
Start by measuring the eaves — the horizontal roof edges where rainwater runs off, not the gable ends where the roof peaks. On a simple gable roof, that's usually just the two long sides of the house. On a hip roof, every side slopes, so gutters typically run around the full perimeter.
Add roughly 5% to your total run for corner pieces and cuts, then divide by 30–35 ft to get your downspout count (minimum two per home), and by 2 ft to get the number of hangers needed to support the run.
Gutter Material Price Comparison
| Material | Price per Linear Foot | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $3–5 | 10–20 years |
| Seamless Aluminum | $6–12 | 20–30 years |
| Galvanized Steel | $8–14 | 20–25 years |
| Copper | $25–45 | 50+ years |
Seamless aluminum is the most common choice — it resists rust, comes in many colors, and is custom-cut on-site so there are no seams for leaks to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I measure how much gutter I need?
Measure the total length of every roof eave — the horizontal edges where water runs off. For a simple gable roof, that's usually the two long sides only. For a hip roof, gutters typically run along all four sides.
How many downspouts do I need?
Plan on one downspout for every 30-35 feet of gutter run, with a minimum of two per home so water has more than one place to drain.
Does a gable roof or hip roof need more gutter?
A hip roof needs more gutter because all four sides slope and drain, so gutters typically run around the entire perimeter. A gable roof only needs gutters on the two long eave sides.
What size gutter should I buy, 5-inch or 6-inch?
5-inch K-style gutters handle most residential roofs up to around 5,500 sq ft of roof area. 6-inch gutters drain about 40% more water and are worth the upgrade for steep roofs, large roof areas, or regions with heavy rainfall.
How much do new gutters cost?
Vinyl runs $3-5 per foot, seamless aluminum $6-12 per foot, galvanized steel $8-14 per foot, and copper $25-45 per foot, including standard downspouts and hangers. Professional installation typically adds $3-8 per foot on top of materials.