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The Standard Single Car Garage Size in 2024

The Standard Single Car Garage Size in 2024

Single-car garage sizes are somewhat standard.

Most are big enough to fit one vehicle, provide a couple feet of clearance on both sides of the car, and offer a little storage space, a laundry area, or a small workshop space.

Why Single-Car Garage Size Matters

Some interesting statistics on single car garages in the US displayed in graphical form

Single-car garages can either be attached to the home or built as a separate, detached structure. They can be one-level (typical) or two-story (less common).

You’ll find at least a single-car garage in more than 79% of American homes, but not every garage is used to store vehicles.

The Department of Energy found that 25% of people with one- or two-car garages primarily use them for storage space and can’t fit a car inside.

In any case, the single-car garage is the perfect solution for a homeowner with limited lot space, street access, or budget.

They also increase your home’s resale value. If you’re thinking about building a one-car garage, there are some things to consider.

Read on to learn the standard sizes, square footage, and dimensions for different types of single-car garages, the vehicles that will fit into each, and the average costs for each type of garage.

Standard Single-Car Garage Size

Graphic showing a standard single-car garage size

  • 12 feet wide by 20 feet long
  • 240 sq ft

The accepted standard size for a one-car garage is 12 feet wide by 20 feet long. This size usually includes a 9-foot wide garage door and leaves a few feet of room on either side for comfortably opening car doors.

What Vehicles Fit in a Standard One-Car Garage?

Most vehicles can fit in a standard one-car garage design, but not all vehicles fit comfortably. Some longer SUVs, trucks, vans, and large sedans will have limited space left in front of and behind the automobile.

A standard, single car garage is perfect for these vehicles, depending on their length.

  • Compact and sports cars (5-6′ wide, 14-16′ long)
  • Luxury and large cars (6-7′ wide, 16-18′ long)
  • SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans (6-7′ wide, 16-19′ long)
  • Quads and ATVs (45-50″ wide, 80-85″ long)

This is the standard, but single-car garage sizes can vary based on their purpose, the size of the vehicle they’re intended for, and the area they’re built into.

Large Single-Car Garage Size

Graphic showing a large single-car garage size

  • 16 feet wide by 24 feet long
  • 384 sq ft 

The biggest single-car garages, intended to store and protect large vehicles and small boats, can be up to 16 feet wide by 24 feet long. In comparison, a standard two-car or double garage is 18 feet wide by 22 feet long.

With 4 additional feet in width and in length (or depth), a one-car garage this large accommodates nearly any vehicle. It leaves enough room for a small workspace, project area, laundry area, or cabinetry for storage.

Large one-car garages of this size can become two-car garages and increase the entrance space by adding a double door.

What Vehicles Fit in the Largest One-Car Garage?

Most vehicles, large and small, will have no problem fitting in a large one-car garage space. A large single-car garage is ideal for these vehicles.

  • Compact and sports cars (5-6′ wide, 14-16′ long)
  • Luxury and large cars (6-7′ wide, 16-18′ long)
  • SUVs, trucks, and vans (6-7′ wide, 16-19′ long)
  • Small boats and trailers (7-8′ wide, 14-20′ long)
  • Quads and ATVs (45-50″ wide, 80-85″ long)

Minimum Single Car Garage Size

Graphic showing a medium single-car garage size

  • 10 feet wide by 18 feet long
  • 180 sq ft

The absolute minimum one-car garage size is 10 feet wide by 18 feet long. This kind of scaled-down space is only appropriate for compact vehicles.

A garage this small is forced to use the minimum single garage door width of 8 feet instead of the more common 9-foot-wide door.

You won’t find many garages this small because of the increased risk of damaging the car, side mirrors, and fenders through the narrow doorway. The minimal space to open car doors once inside is another drawback.

The recommended minimum one-car garage size is two feet wider and longer. Dimensions are 12 feet wide by 20 feet long.

What Vehicles Fit in the Smallest One-Car Garage?

A small one-car garage is a good fit for these vehicles.

  • Compact and sports cars (5-6′ wide, 14-16′ long)
  • Quads and ATVs (45-50″ wide, 80-85″ long)

Two-Story, One-Car Garage Size

A two story one car garage size shown in graphic form

  • 14 feet wide, 28 feet long, and 18 feet tall
  • 784 sq ft 

Two-story garages and garages with lofts are usually detached structures. Typically, these garages are under 20 feet tall due to building height restrictions in most residential areas.

They are slightly wider than one-level garages to balance the increased height of the structure. The average size of a two-story, one-car garage is 14 feet wide, 28 feet long, and 18 feet tall.

Two-story, one-car garages take advantage of vertical space to provide more room than a single-car garage. They are a clever way to double the storage space in a garage without actually increasing the footprint.

What Vehicles Fit in a Two-Story, One-Car Garage?

Most vehicles will easily fit in a two-story, one-car garage space. Since they’re slightly wider than other types of single-car garages, they can accommodate additional vehicles like a dually (4 real wheels instead of 2) or cars with wide side mirrors.

A two-story, single-car garage is ideal for these vehicles:

  • Compact and sports cars (5-6′ wide, 14-16′ long)
  • Luxury and large cars (6-7′ wide, 16-18′ long)
  • SUVs, trucks, and vans (6-7′ wide, 16-19′ long)
  • Small boats and trailers (7-8′ wide, 14-20′ long)
  • Quads and ATVs (45-50″ wide, 80-85″ long)

Single-Car Garage Cost

Prices vary quite a bit due to a multitude of factors (materials used, contractor prices, siding types, overall size, etc.). Still, most one-car garages fall into an average price range.

As you review these, keep in mind that a one-car garage (attached or detached) can boost home values by $15,000–$20,000, especially in colder areas that get a lot of snow and ice.

You can expect to pay the following range of amounts for attached and detached garages:.

Attached Garage Cost

  • $7,500 (smaller garage) to $11,000 (larger garage)
  • Attached garages make use of your home’s existing electricity, heating and cooling, and walls, making the project less costly overall. 

Detached Garage Cost

  • $9,000 (smaller garage) to $14,000 (larger garage)
  • On the smaller end, a detached garage is comparable in price to a large attached garage.

Because detached garages are separate structures, you will need to add plumbing and electric systems to a detached garage to put in lights, sinks, a bathroom, a washing machine, etc.

Which Single Car Garage Size Right for You?

Guy in a shirt with a racoon-looking hairstyle pondering which single car garage size is right for him

Ranging anywhere in size from 10 x 18 to 14 x 28, single-car garages are not a “one size fits all” structure. Before you decide on the size you need, you’ll want to consider the type of vehicle you want to park inside.

If you are looking to replace a garage door or building a new garage, you’ll find plenty of options available. You can choose from different styles, features, and colors, but the most important concern should be your garage door’s size. -a1garage.com

You should also consider whether you want it attached or detached and how much additional workspace or storage space you need it to have.

Even a small one-car garage can serve its purpose well and protect your vehicle from inclement weather, add some additional storage space, provide a place for projects and tools, and boost the overall value of your home.