Standard Garage Dimensions: What’s best for you?

The right garage size varies from one home to another. Ideally, it depends on how you intend to use the garage and the number of cars you will put in there.

When putting up a new garage or buying a new home with one, you will want to determine the right garage size for your needs. Knowing the standard garage dimensions can help you make the right decision.

On average, standard garage dimensions are available for one, two, three, and four-car garages—meaning there is something for any home size. Additionally, you can veer off these standard measurements and opt for a custom garage size instead.

What are the standard garage dimensions?

Despite variances in garage sizes, standard measurements serve as the bottom line when deciding the right garage size for any home.

Understanding these dimensions and associating them with your needs will help you find the right garage for your home.

This section breaks down the standard dimensions for one, two, three, and four-car garages. You will also find a detailed discussion of the aspects to consider when determining the right garage dimensions to simplify your work further.

Standard 1-car garages

Single-car garages are just what the name suggests: garages designed to house a single vehicle. Naturally, therefore, they are the smallest.

However, you can use your one-car garage for any number of purposes, including a shed and a storage room for all your farm tools and equipment.

One-car garages have several variations but typically come in these dimensions:

12 feet wide

20 to 24 feet deep

This variation of one-car garages often comes with a door width of 8 feet.

The other common variations of this garage size are 14 feet wide by 22 feet deep, 16 feet wide by 24 feet deep, and 14 feet wide by 24 feet deep garages.

These standard dimensions are universally recognized and, therefore, likely offered anywhere. The wider or deeper one-car garages are so designed to allow for more storage space while accommodating the car for which it is originally intended.

Such bigger one-car garages also have wider doors, often 9 feet wide. However, such wide garage doors are generally rare and considered exceptions.

Standard 2-car garages

Double-car garages are designed to fit two cars, often with enough space left for other things, such as cabinets and other garage storage facilities.

This reality means that two-car garages are bigger than one-car garages. In most cases, the depth and height of the two-car garage are the same as those of a single-car option but wider.

Notice that you do not necessarily have to own two cars to build a dual-car garage. It just needs to have the dimensions capable of housing two cars.

You could go for a two-car garage if you have one car, but lots of equipment or outdoor paraphernalia to store. For example, such equipment as a snow blower or a lawn mower can use such extra storage space.

Standard two-car garages typically have these dimensions:

18 to 20 feet wide
20 to 24 feet deep

Such a garage may also have a door width of 16 feet.

Other common variations of two-car garages are 20 feet wide by 20 feet deep, 22 feet wide by 22 feet deep, and 20 feet wide by 22 feet deep garages.

The bigger the space, the more comfortable it should be to open your car doors. Two-car garages have comparatively more variations, mainly since it is the most popular garage size.

If you are buying a new home, the chances are that you will find this garage with that home.

Notice that a two-car garage must have a minimum width of 18 feet as a requirement by most construction regulations. But you can go higher as a personal preference or out of necessity.

Standard 3-Car Garages

You will probably need a three-car garage if you have more than one car.

This garage size is designed to fit three personal vehicles. It is one of the larger garage sizes and often comes with the following standard dimensions:

26 to 28 feet wide
20 to 24 feet deep

Such garages may have up to three single doors measuring 8 feet wide or double doors measuring 16 feet wide. Each of these door options has its merits and limitations, hence why you would prefer one over the other.

Three-car garages are ideal for larger families with parents and children who drive. The bigger family can also use the garage as an additional living space.

Three-car garages can also measure 32 feet wide by 22 feet deep, 36 feet wide by 25 feet deep, 38 feet wide by 26 feet deep, and ultimately 40 feet wide by 30 feet deep.

The latter option is ideal for families needing more storage space than just a place for their cars.

Three-car garages typically allow for various customization options as more people prefer one two-car garage door and one single-car garage door with a post separating them.

The rarest garage door design for three-car garages involves having three separate single-car garage doors.

Standard 4-car garages

Four-car garages are the least common in homes. They are the largest garage sizes and are designed to accommodate four vehicles simultaneously, with some room for storage.

This type of garage is only found in the most luxurious homes. The garage size also comes with the most customization to match the taste of the homeowner and their specific needs.

Despite the frequent customization, standard four-car garages typically have the following dimensions:

34 to 36 feet wide
20 to 24 feet deep

Such a garage typically has two dual-car doors, each measuring 16 feet wide. Any variation to this garage door design for four-car garages is rare and almost unheard of.

Four-car garages may have the greatest depth to accommodate cabinetry and other forms of storage typically unavailable with smaller garages.

Custom-build garages

You will notice that the depth ideally remains the same across the board as the garage width increases with the number of cars it is designed to house.

The garage height can also remain the same for most standard garage dimensions.

However, these measurements do not have to remain so. You can customize your garage size to your needs, especially if you have special storage needs that do not conform to standard measurements.

That is where custom-built garages come in. They can measure any size not less than the minimum standard requirement. The custom garage can have a higher roof, broader width, or wider door than its standard cousins.

The garages can also take any shape depending on the homeowner’s needs and taste. For this reason, there is no standard measurement for a custom garage.

Customizations are common with three-car garages and most frequent with four-car garages.

The video below shows some garage dimensions you can choose for your garage depending on their sizes

How to determine the right garage size for you

Like most things in construction, your needs will determine the right garage size for your home. However, this is not the only determining factor.

So, how do you know what garage dimensions will fit your needs? How can you tell whether to go with standard garage dimensions or customize yours?

All that being said, considering a few determining factors will help you arrive at the right fit. Here are the things to keep in mind when deciding on the right garage size for your home.

What you intend to do in your garage

Garages are more than just places for storing cars. Some people even use them as additional bed spaces or mini gyms. So, how do you intend to use yours?

Start by looking at your needs. Will you require a workout space in your garage? Or do you intend to build storage cabinets in the garage? How about your home’s heating system—do you intend to install it in the garage or somewhere else in your home?

How you respond to these questions will tell you whether you need more space in the garage or not.

If you require more space, a one-car garage may not suit you. Instead, you may require a two-car or larger garage.

For instance, if you intend to create a living space in your garage, you may consider a bigger garage. Ample garage space will allow you to add a room or create some living space. You will realize that creating a living space in your garage would be cheaper than building another room in your home.

You may also want to create a workshop room in your garage. Your garage is perfect for a workshop where you can put some large tables with overhead lighting along the back wall to create extra space. You can also use your garage space for storage; in that case, you will need a little extra space.

The number of cars you own

If you have a single car, it does not mean you will require a one-car garage, but it will be an important starting point.

But a larger garage will be crucial if you have two or more cars. The number of cars you own will determine the size of the garage that will fit them.

Two to three cars should mean a two-car or three-car garage, respectively—unless you intend to keep one at a carport outside.

How you use the garage may determine the customizations you need, but the number of cars should be directly proportional to the garage dimensions.

This consideration should be pretty straightforward because garages are labeled as one, two, three, and four-car garages corresponding to the number of cars they can house.

Your vehicle dimensions

While standard garage dimensions enable them to accommodate the corresponding number of cars, special vehicular dimensions can necessitate otherwise.

For instance, if you have a recreational vehicle to keep in your garage, standard garage heights may not be ideal. You would want a taller space for the vehicle to fit inside the garage.

So, here are the standard vehicle dimensions to guide you through the decision.

Sports cars and standard 2-door cars

10 to 16 feet long
6 to 7 feet wide
5 to 6 feet tall

Luxury vehicles and other larger 4-door cars

16 to 18 feet long
6 to 6.5 feet wide

4.5 to 5 feet tall

Standard SUVs, vans, and 2-door trucks

16 to 19 feet long

6 to 7 feet wide
5 to 6 feet tall

You will notice that the height of most personal cars is practically the same, which explains why garages typically have a standard height, even larger ones. However, these dimensions do not apply to special vehicles like motorhomes.

For such non-standard vehicles, you may have to go for custom garage height.

Garage cabinet dimensions

Nearly every garage has some cabinet for storage. Standard garage dimensions often incorporate such storage. However, a larger chest may take up more space, requiring additional garage space.

So, if you intend to build a bigger cabinet in your garage, consider going for a bigger garage size to accommodate it.

Types of Garages

Detached Garages

A detached garage describes a garage type that is entirely separate or free-standing, isolated from the home, whether several yards or just feet away. The detached garages have a garage entry door, so you can access it without opening your main gate.

Due to their stand-alone format, the detached garages are always characterized by high creativity and are more spacious.

Every garage type has its cons and pros.

Pros of Detached garages

High Flexibility. Detached garages have the flexibility of location and size as you have the freedom to make use of more significant space.

Provides you with a more excellent room for workspace and cars.
Since the garages are not limited to your home space and other structures within your home, you have the luxury to expand it or add on whenever the need arises.
You have the luxury to execute any activity in the garage space without worrying about disturbing your neighbors.

Detached garages can be designed in non-standard sizes.

Cons

Detached garages limit your home access, particularly during bad weather such as rain or snow.

The garages may take up too much yard space

Note that: Unlike the attached garages, the detached garages come with more spaces that you can use for other hobbies like construction, welding, or car repairs.

However, despite its advantages, a detached garage is characterized by reduced convenience, which is its primary drawback. It becomes a challenge when you have young children or have heavy luggage and want to cross over to your home from your garage, especially in bad weather.

2. Attached garages

The attached garages are connected to the homes, with their doors leading to the inside of the home. Often, these garages allow homeowners to store household goods and park their cars. The garages are always standardized in size and shape to fit in the home space.

Pros

Attached garages provide an easy way to access your car regardless of the weather conditions.

It boosts the aesthetic appeal as it matches the rest of the home and can enhance your property value
The garages are easy to build
You can save on the cost of electricity as you can use the heating and electrical systems which are part of your home.

Cons

Can present security risks
It can be challenging to expand

You may find it a challenge fitting the attached garage in your home if you have a narrow space

3. Carports

Carports are garages that only have support beams and a roof at the top but no walls. The garage type can be detached or attached.

Pros

Ease to built and maintain
Less expensive
You can place the garages anywhere and make them as large as you can

Cons

Associated with security risks as the garage lack walls, exposing your car to vandalism or theft
The lack of walls also means your cars will be exposed to the outside temperature

How to Turn a Carport into A Garage

Carports are a common concept for residential parking in areas with warmer weather or traditional homes. In most areas, these carports are common because they are easy to build and less expensive. Since they do not require doors and walls, they also do not need many materials except roofing materials.

However, despite these advantages, carports are also associated with massive drawbacks. Particularly, if you are using carports as residential parking, your vehicles are exposed to security risks of theft and damage. Also, since the carports are less waterproof, your vehicle’s metallic parts or objects stored under them can be exposed to rust.

Due to these limitations, you may wonder if it were possible changing your carport to either an attached or detached garage, depending on its location. This is practically possible and can be an immense way to boost the security of your cars.

You could also wonder how much it would cost you for the entire conversion process. Based on the type of improvement you want to make, the garage size, and the type, the total cost can be between $20,000 and $50 000.

Follow the below Steps to turn your carport into a Garage

Step 1: Planning

Planning forms the initial step to getting a garage from your carport. Like other projects, it is good to work with a plan to get your measurements, schematics, and the costs you will work from.

You need to determine the costs of the materials you will use beforehand before purchase.

Besides, you must also attempt to evaluate the conditions of your carport to guarantee it is steady enough to handle the additional materials. This will help enhance the safety and security of the equipment and vehicles housed by the garage from damage in case of collapse.

If you are unsure of the results of these assessments and cost measurements, you may consult a professional.

Step 2: Preparation

As a form of preparation, you will need to dig a foundation for the project. However, ensure that you have good guidance in digging the foundation and that the ground is stable. With the garage, you will also require a sound drainage system. Check out my article on why you need a garage drain.

Besides, examine your carport and remove whatever may cover its columns and joists.

Step 3: Install and Build the Walls

This is an integral step in your project. Use the pressure-treated bottom plate to build the walls. About 15-16 inches from the center, perform wall framing.

Also, ensure that you have adequately covered the bottom plate using plastic sheeting. You want to protect your garage from underground moisture, so plastic sheeting is handy in keeping the moisture away.

The constructed walls should then be attached to the carport on the sides and from the top.

Step 4: Install the Access Doors and Windows

After building the walls, you will need at least one door to access your garage and through which your vehicles are being removed from the garage. The installation of garage doors is not always a straightforward word process. You may need a professional to help you with this process. However, you can also read my article on how to install a garage door to save you the extra money you could use in hiring a technician.

You may also need windows if you intend to spend some time in your garage and will require natural lights or fresh air outdoors. The windows are, however, optional.

The installation of the access door and windows should be included in your plan at the initial stage to ensure they are catered for in terms of costs, materials, and measurements.

Step 5: Add insulation and electricity

Depending on the location of your garage, especially if you experience more extended winter, the insulation of your garage is primary. Garage insulation helps prevent heat loss and keeps your garage during the winter.

There are various types of insulation you can choose from based on the material you have used to build your garage and your budget. I have done an article on how much you can use to insulate your garage. Read it through to help you decide based on the insulation types and garage size to help you with the planning.

Moreover, after installing the doors and windows, you may need electrical services. You may need lighting systems or run specific machines that use electricity. Also, you may want to listen to music as you work in your garage. It is, therefore, imperative that you install electricity in your garage. You may contact an electrician if you are not well-versed in electrical installation.

Frequently Asked Questions- FAQs

What is the standard size of a 2-car garage?

Two-car garages are typically 24 feet wide by 24 feet deep, with a 16-foot door width. They are the most popular and provide adequate space for comfortably parking two vehicles while leaving enough wiggle room and storage space.

What is the size of a single garage?

Building regulations require a minimum width of 10 feet and a depth of 18 feet for single-car garages. However, most personal cars require at least 12 feet for the one-car garage width and 20 feet depth.

Can you fit 2 cars in a 20×20 garage?

Yes, two small cars will fit inside a 20×20 garage, but the space will be too crowded to allow for the use of the garage for storage. The limited space may also make it challenging to get in and out of the cars. So we recommend going larger with the garage dimensions if you intend to fit two cars inside.

Standard or custom dimensions: final thoughts

Standard garage dimensions provide a clear blueprint for constructing garages for every home. Going by the standard sizes also means you will pay the standard industry fees to put up your chosen garage without the worry of unexpected surprises.

However, if you want to satisfy specific personal tastes, you may want to opt for some customization instead.

While customized garages may be appealing, you may have to dig deeper into your pocket to afford your desired customizations.

So, when choosing the right garage size, ensure you do your cost-benefit analysis before settling on a final pick.

We hope this guide helps point you in the right direction. Let us know your thoughts in the comments.