Getting a new garage door can seem like an overwhelming process. You have so many options to choose from when it comes to colors, hardware, insulation, and, most importantly, the size!
But your door plays a large role in the convenience and ease-of-use of your garage, which is why you want to take the time to find the perfect fit. Read on to learn more about standard garage sizes, what they can fit, and how you can decide which one is right for you.
What Are the Standard Garage Door Size?
| Type | Average Width | Average Height |
| Single Car | 8′ | 7′ |
| Double Car | 16′ | 7′ |
| RV or Oversized | 10′ | 10′ |
Single-Car Door
A single-car garage door is the most common type of residential garage door size. They’re a practical, cost-effective option that’s designed to comfortably fit one passenger vehicle, while still giving you room for extra storage. They tend to be 8’ x 7’ or 9’ x 7’, with 9’ x 7’ becoming increasingly popular in newer homes. Oftentimes, you’ll see garages with two single-car doors side-by-side.
Double-Car Door
For those looking for enough space to park two vehicles without feeling cramped, the double-car garage door is a spacious and residential-friendly option. They typically measure 16’ x 7’, but widths can vary between 12’ and 20’ depending on your garage size and personal preferences.
Triple-Car Garage Door
Triple-car garage doors (which, as the name suggests, can fit three vehicles) tend to come in two different variations: three single-car garage doors or a single-car garage door alongside a double-car garage door. Whichever configuration you choose, they’re best for households with multiple vehicles or those who want additional storage or workspace.
Oversized Garage Door
If you want to store RVs, boats, or other tall items or equipment, an oversized garage door will provide the space you need. They typically start at 10’ x 10’, but can go all the way up to 20’ x 10’. The height and width can be changed depending on your desired use. Storing a small plane, for example, will require more width than height.
What About Custom-Sized Garage Doors?
For the most part, the above-mentioned garage doors should meet the needs of most homeowners. However, for those with unique size requirements or style preferences, custom garage doors are available. These can be tailored to fit specific dimensions, vehicles, or designs (although, due to the fact that they’re made-to-order, they are a more expensive option).
When designing a custom garage door, remember to consider:
- The dimensions of the vehicles or equipment you’d like to store.
- The architectural style of your home. (How closely do you want the garage door to match?)
- Any other additional features you may want, such as insulation, windows, or decorative hardware.
What to Consider When Choosing the Size of Your New Garage Door
If you’re building a new garage—congrats! You’re not restricted by the dimensions of your existing garage doorway, which means you have more freedom to choose the perfect door size. Here’s what you should consider before making a decision:
Vehicle Size
First and foremost, you want to pick a garage door size that will comfortably fit your vehicle (or vehicles). Make sure that your door is wide and tall enough for you to easily drive in and out of your garage, without having to worry about hitting the sides. The chart below may be helpful with this:
| Vehicle Type | Recommended Garage Door Size |
| Sedans & Small Cars | Single-car door |
| SUVs & Crossovers | Singe-car door |
| Pickup Trucks | Oversized door or double-car door |
| Vans & Small RVs | Oversized door |
Desired Storage Space
You typically want to give yourself a minimum headroom of at least 6” inches above the door, 14” to 18” of ceiling clearance (to fit the opener system), and at least 2 feet between the parked cars (if you want to store multiple). On top of all that, you may want to consider extra room for tools, bikes, or other equipment.
Local Building Codes
Before making any decisions, one of the first things you’re going to want to do is double-check your local building codes or homeowners’ association guidelines (if applicable). Some areas, especially those in historic neighborhoods or flood zones, may have garage door size requirements.
Resale Value
While it’s important to make sure you enjoy your garage, to increase your resale value, you may also want to consider the opinions of future home buyers. People often look for homes with garages that provide ample storage, can fit multiple modern cars, and feature app-compatible technology.
How to Measure a Garage Door
A reputable garage door installation company, like Jim’s Garage Door Service, will measure your garage door for you. However, if you want to see the size for yourself, here’s how you measure:
- Height & Width: Start by measuring the width, from one edge of the doorframe to the other, and the height, from the floor to the top of the doorframe.*
- Left & Right Sides: You’ll then want to measure the space of either side of the doorway, from the edge to the wall.
- Headroom & Backroom: The headroom is the space above the door (for tracks and springs), while the backroom is the distance from the garage door opening to the back wall (for the door itself when raised).
*You’ll want to add an inch or two to the doorway width to account for an overlapping seal.
Need Help Choosing a Garage Door Size? Contact Jim’s Garage Door Today
Interested in replacing your garage door but don’t know what size you need? Then the team at Jim’s Garage Door Service is here to help! We pride ourselves on giving homeowners in and around Racine, Wisconsin, honest recommendations they can rely on. Just contact us today to get started on your free, no-obligation consultation and estimate!