Fundamentally, your garage should be accommodating enough to house your car, giving you ample spaciousness to move your car in and out easily. Squeezing around your garage for lack of space, spoiling your paintwork, damaging your bumpers, and even hurting yourself isn’t funny. This is why you need to get the befitting garage size for your car(s).
Averagely, a single-car garage can be 12’ wide and 20’ deep. A two-car garage has an average width of 18 feet and 20 feet deep. A three-car garage on the average is 32 feet wide and 22 feet deep.
The size of your garage depends on the number of cars you will be parking there as well as if you have auxiliary functions in mind for your garage like heavy equipment storage. It is essential also to consider the clearance of your garage and if you want to go for attached or detached garages. If you get it wrong, you may end up spending much more money unnecessarily.
1-car Garage Dimensions
One-car garages have the smallest sizes. They basically serve as shelter (or parking space) for one car. This can even be converted to a mini-tool room or even a small bedroom. Averagely, one-car garages have an interior width of 12′ and a depth of 20’. The garage doorway width is also consequential here, and for one-car garages, the optimal doorway width is 9’.
We will not forget to mention the clearance too, as you need adequate space to move your car about. For a single car garage, a 2.8′ clearance will do on each side of your car. There are some common sizes of single-car garages. This includes 16 x 24, 14 x 24 and 14 x 22.
1.5-car Garage Dimensions
A 1.5 car garage doesn’t necessarily mean you are parking one and a half cars there. It means that the garage size would be between that of a one-car garage and a two-car garage. That implies it will be bigger than your traditional one-car garage but yet smaller than a standard two-car garage.
This is becoming a popular option for smaller homeowners who may not have the spaciousness (or budget) for two-car garages but want it a bit bigger than the regular one-car garage. It is easy to renovate a one-car garage into a 1.5 car garage if you have a bigger vehicle.
This means that the size of the 1.5 car garage should be wider than 12 feet but lesser than 24 feet. Most 1.5 car garages are between the width of 20 feet and 16 feet. This would be befitting if you have an oversized truck or even for boat owners.
Urban residents are now increasingly upgrading to 1.5 car garage sizes to avoid the risk of street parking. In such urban areas (and relatively congested areas), especially famed districts, it may be challenging to procure the space for a typical 2-car garage hence the need to make do with smaller spaces.
Another advantage of 1.5 car garages is the additional space it gives you for unloading and loading. This is cool for young families where you regularly have to load your kids. The extra clearance of 1.5 car garages will give you and your kids more spaces between the car and the walls of the garage to hop in and out. If also have loads to fill in, it makes it more convenient as well.
2-car Garage Dimensions
Just as the name suggests, two-car garages are designed to accommodate two cars. This doesn’t necessarily into owning two cars – it is more about having additional space in your garage even for storing other things. An interesting survey showed that 25% of American homeowners store just so much in their garage that they are forced to park their vehicles somewhere other than their garages.
This makes two-car garages much more preferable than one-car garages if you are not too constrained financially. The typical interior width of a two-car garage should be somewhere around 18′. The depth is also in the 20’ region while the garage door – preferably double door – should have a width of 16’.
This would be well suited to two regular cars. There are several variations in the sizes of two-car garages. The commonest includes 20×22, 20×20, and 22×22. This will allow sufficient room to open the doors of your car conveniently
2.5-car Garage Dimensions
Some vehicles wouldn’t readily fit into a standard two-car garage. For example, a 20×20 two-car garage may not readily fit two Plymouth Fury 3 cars, or even combining one Plymouth Fury 3 with an M-37. Your garage would be stacked up with insufficient space for maneuvers. This is why you could consider stepping up just a bit to a 2.5 car garage.
This kind of a garage can be about 4 feet wider than your two-car garage. Standard 2.5 car garage dimensions include 24 X 26, 22 X 26 and 20 X 28.
3-car Garage Dimensions
Three-car garages along with four-car garages are the biggest garage size among standard garages in homes today. When you have a sizable family with children coming of age and getting their cars, then you may want to go for 3-car garages. There is much more storage space as the garage could be as spacious as a living room.
Three-car garages usually have a depth of 22 feet and a width of 32 feet. If you go for double doors, then the garage doorway width should be about 16′. If you prefer a single door, then your three-car garage doorway should be about 8’. Bigger cars and trucks can easily fit into the 3-car garage.
The spaciousness allows you to keep even more in the garage, including your boats, extra refrigerators, and even your outdoor equipment like lawnmowers.
Having three-car garages is not all about storage. You can even use it as an entertainment space like a barbecue party. Additionally, the space left after parking your cars can be better put to use as a workroom for your Do It Yourself projects. Typical sizes of three-car garages are the 32×22, 38×26, or even more extensive options like 40 x 30 feet.
4-car Garage Dimensions
The four-car garage is the ultimate and is most times interpreted as in the class of luxury. This is much more encompassing than your two-car and three-car garages. Four-car garages can accommodate a half bath or can even be transformed creatively to serve as a recreational spot or home office.
The standard width of a 4-car garage should be 16’ each for a double door. The interior width can be 36′, while the bay depth is suitable at 22′.
What is the Standard Width for a Driveway?
The standard width of a driveway depends on the number of car traffic (not ignoring the standard codes of the city you are located). If you want to build a single-car driveway, you can opt for a width of 15 feet. You can even go as low as 10 feet depending on the size of your car, and if it is open; that is not bounded by walls. If your single-car driveway is bounded by walls, then go for 14 feet width.
If you have a two-car driveway in mind, then 18 feet width is beautiful if walls don’t surround it. But if your driveway is to be walled on either side, go for a width of 24 feet so you can conveniently step out and swing your car doors. Bigger driveways for three cars should be wider – optimally 30 feet if you want to make it a parking area as well.
A four-car driveway in the same sense should be around 40 feet width. Your driveway can increasingly accommodate more cars so long you make sure to expand it by 10-15 feet for every additional car (side by side) to the traffic running through the driveway.
This will allow for seamless transport without having to squeeze your car through the edges of your driveway. Such activity will reduce the longevity of your driveway, cracking the asphalt too soon.
Circular Driveway
If you have a circular driveway, the width would be understandably different. For circular driveways, we should be focusing more on the radius of the driveway, especially for those horseshoe-shaped driveways.
12 feet is suitable, but the driveway spray (for the design) must be applied so that the builder can clearly map the needed radius before he starts digging. This will significantly reduce the chances of error.
Remember that driving on the edges, as said, will crack the driveway and even accelerate the spread of the cracks if you don’t quickly pay restorative attention to them.
Commercial Driveway
City codes will majorly determine the width of a commercial driveway. However, it yet keeps to the rule. If it is an open commercial driveway that is not walled, 10-12 feet is okay for a single-car driveway. Depending on the number of cars that would be plowing this commercial driveway side by side, the construction team can be adding 10 feet more for each extra car parking spot.
How Wide is a 2 Car Driveway?
The width of a driveway is a crucial consideration for every homeowner. Would you be parking cars side by side and yet be spacious enough for you to open the door? A 2-car driveway should best be at least 20 feet wide. But if you want to park two cars side by side as described, then you should be going for a width of 24 feet.
A width of 24 feet is ideal if the driveway is bounded on both sides by walls as opposed to open edges. This way, you can conveniently open the doors of the car without smashing them against the walls.
If there is no parking and it is just a passing lane, you can manage a driveway width of 18 feet for two cars. There are indeed two-car concrete driveways 16 feet wide (in most cities, there is a standard code for driveway width). However, we will not advise you to go as low as 16 feet unless it is the last resort.
For a single-car driveway, a width of 15-16 feet is fine, but definitely not for a two-car driveway. Otherwise, you will be stepping out of your car right onto your lawn. We will advise you to make space for your car door swing.
This is why we will recommend leaving a minimum of 2 feet of space close to your driveway before you start bringing in your planters. Another smart idea to improve the width of your driveway is using decorative bands.
If would be helpful to add a one-foot buffer space on either side of your walled driveway. This will protect your cars from inadvertent collisions with driveway walls. It is all left to you, the buffer zone can be paved, or you can leave it unpaved. It all depends on what you are willing to spend – or what you like.
How Wide is a 3 Car Driveway?
If you are going to have three-car traffic (side by side) on your driveway, then the width of 16 feet will not do anymore. You should instead go for extended driveways that can even allow you to turn around and even drive backward through your yard. For such the three-car driveway, a width of at least 30 feet would do. It is optimal to go for 40 feet if you can afford it.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Garage Size
Are you planning to build or renovate your garage and unsure about the best size for your needs? There are several key factors to consider when determining the right garage dimensions.
Vehicle Dimensions: Right-Sizing Your Garage
You likely spend more time thinking about your car’s make and model than the actual physical dimensions of your vehicle. But when designing or choosing a new garage, those measurements become crucial considerations.
Why Vehicle Size Matters for Garage Fit?
- Designing your garage to fit your largest vehicle ensures safe and easy access, with enough space to open doors without hitting walls or crowding narrow driveways.
- A garage that is too small limits space for vehicles, equipment, and storage.
- Reducing the size of garages with too much-unused space can make them more efficient.
- The needed space varies based on the number and types of vehicles, such as sedans, trucks, and SUVs.
Measure your vehicle’s dimensions accurately to determine the required garage size.
Vehicle Size Categories
Cars, trucks, and SUVs span a wide spectrum from compact to oversized.
Compact Vehicles
- Dimensions: Approximately 14-15 feet long by 5-6 feet wide
- Types: Smaller sedans, hatchbacks, economy cars
- Examples: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus
Midsize Vehicles
- Dimensions: Approximately 15-17 feet long by 6-7 feet wide
- Types: Larger sedans, smaller SUVs
- Examples: Toyota Camry, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V
Full-Size Vehicles
- Dimensions: Approximately 17-20 feet long by 6-7 feet wide
- Types: Family sedans, large SUVs, standard pickup trucks
- Examples: Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150, Toyota Sequoia
Oversized Vehicles
- Dimensions: Over 20 feet long and/or over 7 feet wide
- Types: Extended pickup trucks, extra capacity SUVs
- Examples: Cadillac Escalade, Ford F450, Chevrolet Suburban
How to Determine Your Vehicle Size?
You must physically measure your vehicles to determine their accurate size category, as rough estimates are not sufficient.
What to Measure?
Measure both vehicle length and width:
- Length = Front bumper to back bumper
- Width = Widest point mirror tip to mirror tip
Be sure to include measurements of any parts that extend beyond the main body, as many SUVs and trucks have parts that go past the chassis length.
Measurement Process
- Park the vehicle on a flat surface
- Use a cloth measuring tape for accuracy
- Record length and width to the nearest inch
- Repeat for all household vehicles needing garage parking
Once you have the sizing information, you can determine the ideal garage dimensions for your vehicles.
Tip: Allow an extra foot of space in both length and width to ensure doors open fully without striking the walls.
Storage Space Requirements
A crucial but frequently missed step in designing or choosing a garage is estimating the required storage space.
Why Calculate?
- This approach prevents you from buying or building a garage that doesn’t meet your storage needs.
- Helps create an organized, clutter-free space with room for everything.
- It enables you to design the perfect storage arrangement within the available space.
- It saves money by ensuring the garage size is neither too small nor too large for your needs.
Spend time initially to make a detailed list and take measurements. This step can significantly improve your garage’s functionality.
Optimizing Space
Properly designed garage storage should fit all items and make accessing and organizing them easy. Consider options like:
- Wall-length shelving with bins
- Ceiling-height storage racks
- Custom cabinetry
- Floor-to-ceiling racks for long-handled tools
- Drawers for small parts/supplies
- Workspace with pegboard above
Attached vs. Detached: Key Differences When Choosing Your Garage
One of the earliest decisions when planning for a new garage is whether you want it physically attached to the house or as a separate detached structure. Both options have pros and cons to weigh when deciding what works best for your home.
Attached Garage Benefits
- Convenience: Having direct access to the house indoors makes it easier to unload vehicles and gear, especially in bad weather, avoiding the need to carry heavy items across the lawn or driveway.
- Added value: Attached garages often increase a home’s resale appeal and value more than detached ones.
- Security: An attached garage, being directly connected to the house, makes it more difficult for intruders to enter unnoticed.
Ideal for: Homeowners wanting a private, convenient, and secure parking solution.
Detached Garage Benefits
- Flexibility: Detached garages offer greater freedom in choosing the location, size, height, and layout, as they are not limited by the house’s structure.
- Lower cost: Detached garages usually cost less to build than attached ones because they don’t require additional walls or connections to the house.
- Yard space: Placing the garage separately keeps more of your yard free, unlike an attached garage with its driveway.
- Custom use: It’s easier to transform detached garages into separate living spaces, pool houses, studios, or workshops, especially when adding features like plumbing and heating.
Ideal for: Cost-conscious homeowners needing flexible storage space and preserving outdoor living areas.
Consider your budget, property size, convenience needs, and how you plan to use the garage to decide whether an attached or detached garage suits you best.
Here are some of our favorite products
Thank you for reading this post. We hope you found it helpful.
Tools used in Garage: We recommend homedepot. They offer Hand Tools, Tool Chests & Cabinets, Power Tool Accessories, Nail Guns & Staplers, Woodworking Power Tools,etc. You always can find what you need.
Customized Cabinets Online: We recommend Shaker Cabinets. Custom designs from dedicated professionals. Most styles ship within 5-7 business days. Orders over $2,400 ship for free! They also offer Bathroom Cabinets, Pantry Cabinets ,Laundry Room Cabinets.
Paint Spray Equipment and Accessories: Check out the Earlex HV5500. They offer Painting Equipments, Fluid Handling Equipments, Surface Prep Equipments, Powder Coating Equipments, Compressed Air, etc. FREE Shipping On Order Over 80$.
Water Filters: We recommend Waterdrop refrigerator filters Search your filter model Certified by NSF, WQA, and IAMPO against 42, 53 and 401 standards, Waterdrop replacement filters are safe and reliable. They offer Countertop Water Filters, Undersink Filters, Camping & Survival Filters, RV & Marine filters, Pool spa filters, Garden Filters and Whole House Water Filters. Free Shipping On All Orders & 30-day Return.
