Downspouts come in different sizes and are essential for balancing the look and function of a rain gutter system. The size of downspouts is determined by various factors including the roof's pitch, size, and type (metal vs shingles). A general rule is to have one downspout every 30 ft of gutter, but this can vary depending on specific needs.

A typical Central Texas home with a small roof footprint (1500-2500 sq ft) and a moderate 4/12 or 6/12 roof pitch may only require standard 5" gutters and 2x3 downspouts. However, other factors such as the number of downspout placements must also be considered.