Home > 5 Inch Vs 6 Inch Gutters Why Size Actually Matters And How To Know Which One You Need
Most homeowners don’t think about gutter size until water’s pouring over the edge during a storm.
And by then? You’re already dealing with the problem.
Here’s the thing—gutter size isn’t some minor detail contractors obsess over for no reason. It’s the difference between a system that handles whatever weather throws at it and one that overflows every time it rains hard.
We have seen beautiful homes with brand-new gutters that can’t keep up. Not because the installation was bad. Not because the gutters were cheap. But because they were the wrong size.
So when you’re standing in your driveway getting quotes, and one contractor says 5-inch while another recommends 6-inch, how do you know who’s right?
Let’s figure it out.
What We’re Covering:
By the end, you’ll know exactly which size makes sense for your home. Not guesswork. Not what your neighbor has. What actually works.
So what’s the big deal about one inch?
More than you’d think.
A 5-inch gutter holds about 1.2 gallons of water per linear foot. A 6-inch gutter? Nearly 2 gallons.
That’s a 67% increase in capacity. From one inch.
And it’s not just about holding more water—it’s about moving it. Larger gutters handle higher flow rates, which means they drain faster during heavy downpours.
Think of it like this: a 5-inch gutter is a two-lane road. A 6-inch gutter is a four-lane highway. Both get you there. But when traffic’s heavy (or rain’s coming down hard), that extra capacity matters.
Let’s start here: 5-inch gutters work for most homes.
They’re the industry standard. They’ve been around forever. And for the majority of residential properties, they do the job just fine.
Here’s when 5-inch gutters make perfect sense:
We have installed thousands of 5-inch systems. They’re reliable. They’re affordable. And when they’re the right fit, they work beautifully.
But—and this is important—they’re not always the right fit.
Here’s where things get tricky.
You can have a perfectly installed 5-inch gutter system that still overflows. Not because it’s defective. But because it’s undersized.
We have seen this happen when:
And here’s what happens when 5-inch gutters are overwhelmed:
Water spills over the front edge. It pools around your foundation. It stains your siding. It erodes your landscaping.
You’re cleaning them constantly because they can’t flush debris through fast enough.
And eventually? You’re replacing rotted fascia or dealing with basement water issues.
That’s expensive. Way more expensive than just sizing up in the first place.
6-inch gutters aren’t overkill. They’re insurance.
They handle more water, drain faster, and give you a buffer when storms get serious.
Here’s when 6-inch gutters are the right call:
We have had homeowners tell me they wish they’d gone with 6-inch from the start and nobody regretted sizing up.
You don’t have to guess. There’s a formula.
Contractors use something called the “drainage area” to determine gutter size. It factors in roof area, pitch, and rainfall intensity.
Here’s the simplified version:
Step 1: Calculate your roof area. Measure the footprint (length × width). For a simple gable roof, that’s your number. For complex roofs, break it into sections.
Step 2: Adjust for pitch. Steeper roofs have more surface area. Multiply your footprint by a pitch factor:
Step 3: Consider rainfall intensity. If your area gets frequent heavy rain (2+ inches per hour), factor that in. You need more capacity.
Step 4: Apply the rule of thumb:
Or just call a professional who’ll do the math for you. (We do this every day.)
6-inch gutters cost more. Let’s not pretend otherwise.
You’re looking at roughly 15–25% more than 5-inch systems. Materials cost more. Installation takes slightly longer. Downspouts are larger (typically 3×4 inches instead of 2×3 inches).
But here’s the thing—that premium is small compared to the cost of getting it wrong.
Replacing undersized gutters? That’s the full cost all over again.
Repairing water damage to your foundation, siding, or landscaping? That’s thousands.
Constantly cleaning clogged gutters because they can’t handle the flow? That’s your time and frustration.
When you look at it that way, the extra 15–25% upfront is cheap insurance.
And honestly? Most homeowners don’t even notice the cost difference when it’s rolled into the total project.
Here’s something people forget: gutters are only half the equation.
You can have perfectly sized gutters, but if your downspouts can’t move the water out fast enough, you’re still going to overflow.
5-inch gutters typically use 2×3-inch downspouts. That’s fine for moderate flow.
6-inch gutters need 3×4-inch downspouts. Larger gutters require larger drainage.
And here’s the rule: you need enough downspouts to handle your gutter capacity.
General guideline: one downspout for every 30–40 feet of gutter. But if you’ve got a steep roof or heavy rainfall, you might need more.
We have seen homes with beautiful 6-inch gutters and only two downspouts trying to drain the entire system. Doesn’t work. Water backs up and overflows anyway.
Size your downspouts correctly. Space them properly. And make sure they’re directing water away from your foundation—at least 6 feet out.
Honestly? Most people can’t tell the difference from the ground.
6-inch gutters are slightly more visible, but unless you’re standing right next to them, the difference is subtle.
And here’s the thing—overflowing gutters are way more noticeable than slightly larger ones.
Water stains on your siding? Noticeable.
Eroded landscaping? Noticeable.
Gutters that work perfectly and never overflow? Nobody notices. And that’s the point.
If you’re worried about aesthetics, talk to your contractor about color matching and profile options. Both 5-inch and 6-inch gutters come in K-style (the standard) and half-round (the classic look).
The style matters more than the size when it comes to appearance.
Yes. And it’s in favor of 6-inch gutters.
Larger gutters flush debris more effectively. Leaves, twigs, shingle grit—it all moves through faster instead of piling up.
That means less frequent cleaning. Fewer clogs. Less overflow.
We have talked to homeowners who switched from 5-inch to 6-inch and cut their gutter cleaning from four times a year to twice.
That’s real. That’s time saved. That’s fewer weekends on a ladder.
And if you add gutter guards? 6-inch gutters with guards are about as low-maintenance as you can get.
What Happens When You Get It Wrong
Undersized gutters overflow. Water damages your home. You spend money fixing problems that shouldn’t exist.
Oversized gutters cost more upfront but don’t cause problems. They just work.
So if you’re on the fence? Size up.
The downside of going too big is minimal. The downside of going too small is expensive.
It comes down to three things:
Your roof. Size, pitch, complexity. Bigger and steeper = 6-inch.
Your climate. Heavy rain, frequent storms = 6-inch.
Your tolerance for maintenance. Want to clean gutters less often? 6-inch.
My take? If you’re even questioning whether 5-inch is enough, go with 6-inch. The extra capacity gives you peace of mind, better performance, and less maintenance.
But if you’ve got a small, simple roof in a mild climate, 5-inch works fine. Don’t overthink it.
Whether you need 5-inch or 6-inch gutters, proper gutter installation matters.
Get a professional assessment. Get the right size. Get it installed correctly.
And make sure whoever does the work actually knows what they’re doing.
APCO has been installing seamless gutters in the Columbus area for over 60 years. We measure your roof, calculate your needs, and install gutters that actually work—custom-fabricated on-site to fit your home perfectly.
Call: 614-254-5489
Most homes use 5-inch gutters. They’re the industry standard and work well for roofs under 1,500 square feet with moderate pitch and average rainfall. But that doesn’t mean they’re right for every home. Larger roofs, steep pitches, or high-rainfall areas often need 6-inch gutters to handle the water volume.
You probably need 6-inch gutters if your roof is over 1,500 square feet, your pitch is steep (7/12 or higher), you live in a high-rainfall area, or your current gutters overflow during storms. If you’re constantly dealing with clogs or water spilling over the edge, sizing up solves the problem.
They cost about 15–25% more. That includes materials, larger downspouts, and slightly longer installation time. But compared to the cost of replacing undersized gutters or repairing water damage, the premium is small. Most homeowners find the extra investment worth it for better performance and less maintenance.
You can, but you shouldn’t. Mixing sizes looks inconsistent and can create drainage issues. If one section of your roof needs 6-inch gutters, it’s usually best to install 6-inch throughout for uniform performance and appearance.
Most people can’t tell the difference from the ground. The one-inch size increase is subtle. And honestly, overflowing gutters and water stains are way more noticeable than slightly larger gutters. If you’re concerned about appearance, focus on color matching and profile style—those matter more than size.
Not necessarily more, but they do need larger downspouts. 5-inch gutters typically use 2×3-inch downspouts, while 6-inch gutters need 3×4-inch downspouts to handle the increased flow. The general rule is one downspout for every 30–40 feet of gutter, regardless of size.
Are 6-inch gutters easier to maintain?
Yes. Larger gutters flush debris more effectively, which means fewer clogs and less frequent cleaning. Homeowners who switch from 5-inch to 6-inch often report cutting their gutter cleaning schedule in half. If you add gutter guards, 6-inch systems become even more low-maintenance.
They overflow. Water spills over the edge, pools around your foundation, stains your siding, and erodes your landscaping. You’ll clean them more often because debris can’t flush through. And over time, you’ll deal with rotted fascia, foundation issues, or basement water problems—all expensive fixes.
If you’re installing sectional gutters, you could. But most 6-inch gutters are seamless, which requires professional equipment and expertise. And honestly, proper sizing, slope calculation, and downspout placement matter more than the DIY savings. Get it installed right the first time.
Both last about the same—20–30 years for aluminum, 50–100+ years for copper. Size doesn’t affect lifespan. What matters is material quality, proper installation, and regular maintenance. Undersized gutters might fail sooner due to constant overflow stress, but that’s a sizing issue, not a durability issue.
The Architectural Products Company
The Architectural Products Company