Gutter sizes
Most homes use 5 in K-style gutters with 2 × 3 in downspouts. Larger or steeper roofs use 6 in gutters with 3 × 4 in downspouts, which carry about 40% more water.
| Gutter | Width (top) | Usual downspout |
|---|---|---|
| 5 in K-style | 5 in (127 mm) | 2 × 3 in rectangular |
| 6 in K-style | 6 in (152 mm) | 3 × 4 in rectangular |
| 5 in half-round | 5 in (127 mm) | 3 in round |
| 6 in half-round | 6 in (152 mm) | 4 in round |
What to know
Size gutters from roof area and local rainfall intensity. Steep pitches and long runs shed water faster, which often pushes a roof from 5 in to 6 in gutters.
Questions people ask
Are 6 inch gutters worth it?
They are worth it for large or steep roofs and heavy-rain areas; they hold roughly 40% more water than 5 in gutters.
Related sizes
Sources and method
- Common residential gutter industry sizes
Imperial and metric values are converted with 1 in = 25.4 mm exactly and rounded only for display. Found a mistake? Report it and we will correct the page.