Downspouts are sized using hydraulic calculations of areas for rain run-off on roofs. This means that the area of your roof has a certain amount of space available based on the assumption of “an amount” of rain on the roof. Using a worst case condition, it calculates how much rain your roof can possibly hold. This way, they can determine what measurements of a gutter and downspout best fit to your roof, and will most effectively hold and drain the right amount of water. This not only calculates the size of your downspouts, but how many your home might need. It is common for homes to have more than one downspout in order for all of the water to get released properly. Generally, houses are made with predetermined sizes of downspouts so it is easy for you to purchase them, but the calculation and research behind them are what make them so effective. Ground run off is also considered so that the water is evenly distributed and flooding will not occur.