French Drain Calculator
Calculate french drain dimensions for foundation drainage from roof runoff
ft
ft
ft
Gravel Needed
5.6
Pipe Length Needed50.0 ft
Gravel Cost$250
Total Estimated Cost$729
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How to Use the French Drain Calculator
Undersized gutters overflow during heavy rain, causing fascia rot and foundation damage. The French Drain Calculator matches gutter and downspout size to your roof's drainage load.
- Measure the horizontal projection area of the roof that drains into each gutter run.
- Find the design rainfall intensity for your area (inches per hour for a 10-year storm).
- Enter both values into the calculator.
- The result shows the minimum gutter width and number of downspouts needed.
- Add one downspout for every 40 linear feet of gutter as a general rule.
Formula & Methodology
The French Drain Calculator uses the following established formulas:
Flow Rate (GPM) = Roof Area (sq ft) × Rainfall (in/hr) ÷ 96.25
K-factor method: Flow = 0.433 × A × i (A in sq ft, i in in/hr)
5" K-style handles ~5,520 sq ft at 1 in/hr
6" K-style handles ~7,960 sq ft at 1 in/hr
Gutter capacity also depends on slope. A 1/16" per foot slope is minimum; 1/8" per foot is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
5-inch K-style gutters handle most residential roofs under 1,500 sq ft of drainage area. Larger roofs, steep pitches, or high-rainfall areas often need 6-inch gutters. Get our French Drain Calculator to calculate the exact requirement for your situation.
As a rule of thumb, one downspout for every 30–40 linear feet of gutter. Each downspout should handle no more than 600–800 sq ft of roof area. More downspouts mean faster drainage and less overflow risk.
Aluminum is the most popular — lightweight, rust-proof, and affordable at $4–$9 per linear foot installed. Copper is premium and very long-lasting. Vinyl is cheapest but warps in extreme temperatures. Steel is durable but can rust.