Gutter Calculator
Calculate sections, hangers, end caps, and downspouts for a DIY sectional gutter installation
Gutter Type
Sectional (snap-together) systems only — seamless gutters are formed on-site by a professional and priced differently.
Gutter Run
Enter your gutter run length to calculate materials
Tips & Notes
- •Sectional vinyl and aluminum gutters are the only types realistically DIY-installable — seamless gutters are formed on-site by a truck-mounted machine and require a professional.
- •Gutters need about 1/4" of downward slope per 10 feet of run toward the downspout, or water pools and adds weight that tears hangers loose.
- •Space hangers every 24"–36" and screw into the fascia board, not just the shingles or trim.
- •Extend downspouts at least 5–10 feet from the foundation — this is the single biggest factor in keeping water out of a basement.
- •Overlap section seams in the direction of water flow so the downhill piece sits inside the uphill one, not the reverse.
Pro tips for gutter
- ›Sectional vinyl and aluminum gutters are the only types realistically DIY-installable — seamless gutters are formed on-site by a truck-mounted machine and require a professional.
- ›Gutters need about 1/4" of downward slope per 10 feet of run toward the downspout, or water pools and adds weight that tears hangers loose.
- ›Space hangers every 24"–36" and screw into the fascia board, not just the shingles or trim.
- ›Extend downspouts at least 5–10 feet from the foundation — this is the single biggest factor in keeping water out of a basement.
- ›Overlap section seams in the direction of water flow so the downhill piece sits inside the uphill one, not the reverse.
Frequently asked questions
How much do gutters cost per linear foot?▾
Materials only: vinyl sectional $2–$5/ft, aluminum sectional $2–$5/ft, aluminum seamless $6–$10/ft, steel seamless $8–$10/ft, copper seamless $15–$25/ft. Fully installed by a pro, most homes land between $10–$16/ft, or roughly $1,200–$4,000 for a typical single-story house.
Can I install gutters myself?▾
Sectional vinyl or aluminum gutters, yes — the sections snap together and only need a miter saw, level, and ladder. Seamless gutters are formed on-site by a truck-mounted machine and require a professional installer.
How many downspouts do I need?▾
A general rule of thumb is one downspout per 30–40 feet of gutter run, or one per 600–800 sq ft of roof area. Homes with steep or complex rooflines may need more to keep up with heavy rain.
What size gutters do I need — 5" or 6"?▾
5" K-style gutters handle most standard residential roofs. Move up to 6" for larger roofs (2,500+ sq ft), steep pitches, or regions with heavy rainfall — the extra capacity prevents overflow during intense storms.
How often should gutters be cleaned?▾
Twice a year at minimum — late spring and late fall — and after any major storm. Homes surrounded by trees may need quarterly cleaning. Clogged gutters are the most common cause of both roof-edge water damage and foundation drainage problems.