The area of the district is 2,900 square kilometers (1,100 sq mi).

[4] Within the framework of administrative divisions, Gaysky District is one of the thirty-five in the oblast.

[1] The town of Gay serves as its administrative center,[2] despite being incorporated separately as an administrative unit with a status equal to that of the districts.

[1] As a municipal division, the territory of the district and the territory of the Town of Gay are incorporated together as Gaysky Urban Okrug.

[5] Prior to June 1, 2015, the district was incorporated as Gaysky Municipal District, while the Town of Gay was incorporated separately as Gay Urban Okrug.