Construction
Gutter Calculator
Enter your home's ground footprint and roof style to estimate total gutter run in linear feet, downspouts, hidden hangers, corners, end caps, and the number of 10-foot sections to order.
Quick answer: A typical 1,800–2,200 sq ft single-story home needs about 150–200 linear feet of gutter and one downspout per 30–40 feet (usually 4–6 total).
- House perimeter160 ft
- Base gutter run (gable)100 ft
- Waste allowance (5%)+5 ft
- 10-ft sections to order11
- Downspouts (1 per 35 ft)3
- Hidden hangers (every 24″)53
- Corners / miters0
- End caps4
Estimates total gutter run from your home’s footprint and roofline. Actual material depends on the eave layout, valleys feeding the gutter, and downspout drainage plan. Confirm with your contractor’s measured take-off before ordering.
How it works
1. Measure the footprint
From the ground, measure the length and width of the house at the eaves. For an L-shaped home, break it into rectangles and add the runs that actually carry gutter.
2. Identify the roof style
A gable roof carries gutter on the two long eaves only. A hip roof slopes on all four sides and carries gutter on the full perimeter. Complex rooflines with dormers and bump-outs add length and corners.
3. Add downspouts and waste
Plan one downspout per 30–40 linear feet, at least one per straight run. Straight runs waste ~5% on cuts; complex runs with many miters waste ~15%. Budget hidden hangers every 24 inches.
Frequently asked questions
How many linear feet of gutter does a house need?
A typical 1,800–2,200 sq ft single-story home runs 150–200 linear feet. A gable roof carries gutter on two eaves; a hip roof carries it on all four sides. The calculator estimates this from your footprint and roof style.
How many downspouts do I need?
The rule of thumb is one downspout for every 30–40 linear feet of gutter, with a minimum of one per straight run. This calculator uses one per 35 feet.
What size gutter should I install?
Five-inch K-style is the residential default. Step up to 6-inch for large or steep roofs that shed a lot of water into one run — it carries roughly 40% more water.