Your guide to standard garage door sizes for homeowners

Cars, buses, and trucks look different on the outside, but they’re built to fit within standard parking spaces, traffic lanes, and drive-thru clearances.

When it comes to your home, the size of your garage door is just as important. So, what are the standard garage door sizes, and why do they matter?

In this article, we’ll walk you through the different door sizes, explain how they affect accessibility and your home’s aesthetics, and help you choose the right size for your garage.

Why garage door size matters

The right size garage door lets you move your vehicle in and out comfortably, without feeling cramped or worrying about scratches and dents. Just as important, it improves overall accessibility. You need a door that allows easy entry and movement, especially if you use your garage for storing bikes, tools, or seasonal decorations, without having to squeeze through or constantly shift things around.

Visually, the size of your garage door affects your home's curb appeal. Since the garage occupies a significant portion of the front exterior, its size directly impacts how balanced and attractive the house appears from the street. A well-proportioned garage door creates a cleaner, more polished look and complements the overall design of your home.

Financially, size affects both the cost of the garage door and the installation process. Larger or custom-sized doors cost more, not just for the door itself, but also for the additional hardware and any necessary structural modifications.

Standard garage door sizes by type

Garage doors are designed to accommodate a wide range of vehicle sizes and usage needs. Here's a closer look at the most common sizes, categorized by vehicle type.

Standard single garage door size

A standard or regular garage door size is designed to fit one vehicle and is commonly used for compact cars, sedans, and small SUVs. These doors typically come in widths of 8, 9, or 10 feet, with a height of 7 feet. Sometimes, the height can reach up to 8 feet.

Standard two car garage door size

A standard two-car garage door accommodates two vehicles parked side by side. The most common size is 16 feet wide and 7 feet high. However, the widths can range from 12 feet to 20 feet, depending on how closely you plan to park the vehicles and whether you want extra space in between for easier access.

Oversized and RV garage door sizes

Oversized garage doors are for larger vehicles, such as RVs, lifted trucks, and tall vans. They usually measure between 10 and 14 feet wide and 12 to 16 feet high. In most cases, they’re custom or semi-custom made to match the vehicle’s dimensions. Some homeowners even add a separate bay or dedicated garage space to accommodate the extra height and width comfortably.

Standard garage door width and height explained

The standard garage door width options are 8 feet, 9 feet, 10 feet, 12 feet, 16 feet, and 18 feet. For context, the average width of a garage door for single cars typically ranges from 8 to 9 feet, offering enough room for small cars and sedans.

A 10-foot width provides more space for wider vehicles or for making parking and entry less tight. For garages meant to hold two cars, 16 feet is the most typical width, while 18 feet gives you even more clearance between the cars.

Likewise, the standard garage door height is 7 feet. This height accommodates the majority of everyday vehicles without issue. You can also use an 8-foot-high garage door for extra headroom, especially for taller SUVs or small trucks. For cars with added height, such as those equipped with roof racks, lift kits, or mounted cargo carriers, you need doors that range in height from 9 to 16 feet.

You might choose to increase the width or height of your garage door beyond the typical garage door dimensions if your vehicle is wide, you want the flexibility to upgrade to a larger vehicle in the future, or if you want more room to move around without the risk of hitting anything. It also helps if you plan to use the garage for storage, tools, or other equipment in addition to your vehicle.

Choosing the right size for your garage and vehicle

The right size depends on the size of your car, how you plan to use the garage, and your desired exterior aesthetics. 

For instance, if you drive a small car or sedan, typically around 6 to 6.5 feet wide and about 5 feet tall, a standard 8 or 9-foot-wide garage door with a height of 7 feet is enough. It gives you ample room to park comfortably and open the doors without hitting the walls.

On the other hand, if you own an SUV, crossover, or truck that can reach up to 7.5 feet wide and nearly 6.5 to 7 feet tall, you need a 10-foot-wide door and a height of 8 feet or more to make parking easier and avoid scraping the sides.

It’s also important to think beyond just parking. You want enough room to open your car doors fully, walk around the vehicle, and store items such as tools, bikes, or boxes. If your garage is used for storage or as a workspace, extra width or height can make the space feel less cramped.

At the same time, consider how the door looks from the outside. A door that’s too small might look awkward, while one that’s too big could overpower the rest of the exterior. So, it’s all about finding the right balance.

How garage door size affects price

The size of your garage door affects how much you'll spend. As the size increases, so do the materials, hardware, and labor required. Let’s look at this in detail.

Price ranges by door type

Single garage doors are the most affordable option, ranging from $500 to $1,500, depending on the style and material. They are great for single-car garages or detached units with limited space. For a standard two-car garage, a double door falls between $1,000 and $3,000, because the doors require more materials and heavier-duty parts. If you're considering oversized or custom-built garage doors, the costs start at $3,000 and can increase significantly, especially if structural modifications are required.

Other cost factors

Other factors that affect price are the material type and additional features. For instance, steel doors are more affordable, whereas wood or composite options are more expensive. 

Insulated doors add to the price but may be worth it in the long run. They help in maintaining the interior temperature year-round. Adding windows or custom panels also increases the cost, especially on wider doors where additional support is needed. Lastly, the type of garage door opener is also essential. Larger and heavier doors require more powerful openers, which are more expensive.

Another thing to consider is whether you want one double-wide door or two single doors. Two singles cost slightly more upfront due to the need for extra hardware and a second door opener, but they offer more flexibility. They are also easier to repair or replace individually. On the other hand, one large door may offer a cleaner look and more usable space, but requires a stronger opener and leaves you with no access if it malfunctions.

Measuring for a new garage door

When measuring for a new garage door, you need to account for the rough opening, headroom, side room, and backroom to ensure the door fits and functions properly. The rough opening should match the size of the door you’re installing, with the frame providing support around the edges. The headroom refers to the space between the top of the garage opening and the ceiling, which is required for door tracks and the torsion spring system. Then, the backroom is the distance from the opening to the back wall of the garage. It must be long enough for the door to retract fully, plus a bit extra for the opener.

If you’re measuring on your own, use a tape measure and write down each measurement carefully. Measure in multiple spots, especially for width and height, in case your walls or floor aren’t perfectly straight. Additionally, check for obstructions such as low beams, pipes, or shelving that could interfere with the door’s path or the opener’s clearance. Lastly, always measure with the door fully closed and round down to the nearest inch if you're unsure.

That said, getting a professional measurement is worth it. Installers know precisely what to look for, can spot potential problems ahead of time, and ensure everything lines up correctly. A small measurement error can lead to a poor fit, additional costs, or delays in installation. 

Final tips before buying

Before buying a garage door, check your local building codes and any homeowner association rules. These regulations can affect the size, style, and materials allowed for your garage door. If you plan to buy a larger vehicle later, choose a garage door size now that can handle the upgrade later.

Finally, consider how you’ll use the garage and the climate where you live. If your garage is attached to your home or serves as a workspace, consider an insulated door, as it’s worth the extra investment to maintain steady temperatures, protect your vehicle, and lower energy costs.

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