A garage isn’t just a parking spot but a key part of your home. Besides sheltering your car, this versatile space can be used as storage, a workshop, or even an extra room. If you’re planning on building a new garage from scratch or just trying to improve your current one, it’s best to get the lowdown on single-car garage sizes.
| Garage type | Size (feet / meters) | Total area (square feet / square meters) | Fits Vehicles |
| Standard single-car garage | 12 wide x 20 long / 3.7 wide x 6.1 long | 240 / 22.3 | Compact carsSports carsLuxury carsLarge cars, SUVsPickup trucksVansQuadsATVs |
| Large single-car garage | 16 wide x 24 long / 4.9 wide x 7.3 long | 384 / 35.7 | Standard single-car garage vehiclesSmall boatsTrailers |
| Smallest single-car garage | 10 wide x 18 long / 3 wide x 5.5 long | 180 / 16.7 | Compact carsSports carsQuadsATVs |
| Two-story, one-car garage | 14 wide x 28 long x 18 high / 4.3 wide x 8.5 long x 5.5 high | 784 / 72.8 | Large single-car garage vehicles |
Standard single-car garage size
The average single-car garage size is usually 12 feet (3.7 meters) wide and 20 feet (6.1 meters) long, or 240 square feet (22.3 square meters). The garage door is usually 9 feet wide (2.7 meters), so you have more than enough wiggle room on the sides to comfortably get in and out of your car.
Here are some vehicle dimensions for a standard single-car garage:
- Compact or sports cars: 5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters) wide and 14-16 feet (4.3-4.9 meters) long
- Luxury or large cars: 6-7 feet (1.8-2.1 meters) wide and 16-18 feet (4.9-5.5 meters) long
- SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans: 6-7 feet (1.8-2.1 meters) wide and 16-19 feet (4.9-5.8 meters) long
- Quads and ATVs: 45-50 inches (1.1-1.3 meters) wide and 80-85 inches (2-2.2 meters) long
Large single-car garage size
If you have cars bigger than normal or need the extra room, consider a large single-car garage. It’s usually 16 feet (4.9 meters) wide and 24 feet (7.3 meters) long, giving you a spacious 384 square feet (35.7 square meters).
In addition to the vehicles that fit in standard single-car garages, the large version can accommodate small boats and trailers that are 7-8 feet (2.1-2.4 meters) wide and 14-20 feet (4.3-6.1 meters) long.
Smallest single-car garage size
If you’re constrained by space, it’s best to opt for the minimum single-car garage, measuring 10 feet wide (3 meters) and 18 feet (5.5 meters) long, totaling 180 square feet (16.7 square meters). Although snug, there’s plenty of space to fit compact and sports cars, quads, or ATVs with the dimensions we mentioned earlier.
Two-story, one-car garage size
If you can take advantage of vertical space in your home, consider a two-story, one-car garage. It’s 14 feet (4.3 meters) wide, 28 feet (8.5 meters) long, and 18 feet (5.5 meters) high, giving you a whopping 784 square feet (72.8 square meters). With that much room, you can fit pretty much any of the vehicles we’ve already talked about, including small boats and trailers.
Choosing your garage size
When it comes to picking the right size for your garage, it’s not a one-size-fits-all kind of deal. It’s more about what suits you and your lifestyle best. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Your vehicle: It should fit comfortably in the garage, with enough room for you to open the doors and walk around. Consider not only the width and length but also the height, especially for a two-story garage.
- Extra amenities: A workbench, shelving, or gym equipment should be included in the garage space if these are on your mind.
- Future plans: When planning to upgrade your car down the line, it’s a good idea to choose a large garage size.
- Storage space: If you plan to use your garage for storage beside parking, factor in extra space for items like tools, bikes, and seasonal decor.
- Working area: If you’re the DIY type or into hobbies that require space, like woodworking or bike repair, there should be enough room in the garage for you to work.
- Cost: Larger garages are more expensive, not just in terms of construction or renovation costs but also in heating, cooling, and maintenance.