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5-Inch vs. 6-Inch Gutters: Which Does Your Home Need?
Most homes do fine with 5-inch gutters. 6-inch gutters hold more water and make sense for big or steep roofs, valleys, and gutters that overflow in heavy rain.
What's the Difference Between 5-Inch and 6-Inch Gutters?
The number is the width across the top of the gutter. A 6-inch gutter is wider and deeper, so it holds and moves a lot more water than a 5-inch gutter, and it pairs with larger downspouts. Most homes in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Vermont do fine with 5-inch gutters. Some need 6-inch.
A 5-inch K-style gutter is about 3.75 inches deep on the back with a 3.25-inch bottom. A 6-inch K-style gutter is about 5.25 inches deep on the back with a 4-inch bottom, so it holds and moves noticeably more water.
When Do 6-Inch Gutters Make Sense?
- Big roofs. More roof area means more water reaching each gutter run.
- Steep roofs. Water comes off faster and can shoot over a smaller gutter.
- Valleys. Where two roof slopes meet, water funnels into one spot.
- Overflow you already see. If your gutters spill over in heavy rain even when they’re clean, they may be too small.
- Heavy snow loads. Snowmelt and ice put more water and weight on your gutters every winter.
Your Service Advisor looks at your roof size, pitch and valleys at your free estimate and tells you which size your home needs.
How Much More Do 6-Inch Gutters Cost?
6-inch gutters typically add about 15% to the cost of a gutter installation, because they use more material and larger downspouts. Your exact price comes from measuring your home. See why online gutter prices miss and our gutter installation page.
Do 6-inch gutters look too big?
On most two-story and larger homes they look right at home. On a small ranch, a 5-inch gutter may look more in scale. Your Service Advisor can show you both.
Related: Downspouts & Drainage · Gutter Guards Compared
5-Inch vs. 6-Inch FAQ
Should I get 5-inch or 6-inch gutters?
Most homes do fine with 5-inch gutters. Choose 6-inch for big or steep roofs, roofs with valleys, or gutters that overflow in heavy rain even when clean.
Do 6-inch gutters hold more water?
Yes. They’re wider and deeper, so they hold and move more water, and they pair with larger downspouts.
How much more do 6-inch gutters cost?
Typically about 15% more for the installation. Your exact price comes from measuring your home at a free estimate.
Can you install 6-inch gutters on any house?
Usually, yes. Your Service Advisor checks your fascia and roofline at the estimate and recommends the size that fits your home.
Reviewed by Chester Aho, Founder. Last updated: November 2026