If you live in a two-car household and own one or more of the vehicles showcased on this Biggest Vehicles You Can Buy list (or plan to purchase one), you’ve probably wondered: “Will I be able to fit both cars in a standard-sized, two-car garage?“
There is no “one size fits all” garage size. That makes answering the question, “What are the dimensions of a two-car garage?” a little complicated.
Factor in the other functions 2-car garages often serve–laundry room, workspace, hobby room, and/or storage space (perfect for stashing those winter coats)–calculating what size garage you need to fit both your vehicles (and the occasional load of laundry) becomes a more sizable task.
Since each garage must meet its homeowner’s specific set of needs, guesstimating just won’t cut it.
So whether you’re designing your dream garage or simply curious about your existing space, this is everything you need to know about garage dimensions.
(Side Note: For those who already suspect a two-car garage will be a tight squeeze–but don’t want to front the cost of a three-car garage–we’ll offer tips and tricks on maximizing a two-car garage space, including parking best practices + storage solutions).
Standard 2-Car Garage Sizes
The average width of a two-car garage is usually between 18 and 24 feet, while the standard depth ranges from 20 to 24 feet.
That being said, some two-car garages are much larger, at 24×30 feet. The dimensions you choose will largely depend on the size of your vehicle and your additional storage requirements.
Compact, mid-size, and full-size cars typically measure between 14 and 17 feet in length and 5.5 to 6.5 feet in width
SUVs and minivans, on the other hand, range from 16 to 18 feet in length and 6 to 7 feet in width. Knowing the exact dimensions of your car will help you determine the appropriate garage size.
If want to allocate extra space in your garage for workshops, storage, etc., air on the larger side. Be sure to reserve space around the garage’s perimeter, so you can easily exit and enter your vehicles and repurpose the space into storage for for your belongings.
Comparing a 2-car Garage to single-car and 3-car garages
To see how the size of a two-car garage compares with that of a single-car or three-car garage, consider the following size comparisons.
Single-Car Garage:
- Width: 12 to 16 feet
- Depth: 20 to 24 feet
Two-Car Garage:
- Width: 18 to 24 feet
- Depth: 20 to 24 feet
Three-Car Garage:
- Width: 28 to 32 feet
- Depth: 20 to 24 feet
Notice that the depth is almost always 20 to 24 feet, while the width ranges considerably.
Determining the dimensions of your 2-Car Garage
If you plan on fitting two vehicles into your garage, you’ll need to know the size of your cars. Check out this resource for more insight into average car lengths and car widths.
You’ll also have to factor in any other uses your garage may have and measure items like appliances or work benches.
Remember that your storage needs may change over time, especially as you accumulate more belongings. Give yourself a little extra space to avoid a cramped garage in the future.
Maximizing Your 2-Car Garage Space
If you only use one vehicle seasonally (think a classic car or a convertible that needs to be stored for the winter season), maximizing your 2-car garage space may be as simple as storing your seasonal vehicle at a storage facility.
Consider vehicle storage options through a marketplace like Neighbor. By storing your vehicle off-site for the season, you can free up precious square feet in your garage.
If easy access to your two daily drivers is a must—and a 3-car or 4-car garage is out of budget—you may still be able to get away with a 2-car garage space, just as long as you utilize every square inch of your two-car garage wisely.
In the following sections, we’ll explore some ideas and tips for organizing your garage to optimize your space.
If your goal is to avoid a more costly three-car garage project, consider these can’t-miss tips.
Add vertical storage space
The key to an organized garage is keeping items off the floor is to make use of vertical storage space as much as possible. Consider building custom floor-to-ceiling cabinets or installing wall-mounted storage shelves to help keep your garage clutter-free.
Magnetic strips or pegboards are a great way to organize tools or cables. You can also put hooks in the walls or ceilings to store items like bicycles, ladders, surfboards, or garden tools. This leaves your floor space open for vehicles and appliances.
Staying organized
Clutter is the enemy of any space-restricted homeowner. To free up room for walking paths or storage space in your garage, you don’t need to take drastic measures and park one of your vehicles in the driveway. Simply organize and declutter.
Unfortunately, organizing your garage is the easy part. Keeping it that way is the real challenge. To make sure all items are put away in the right place, consider color-coordinating your storage. Assigning specific colors to different categories of items, such as tools, gardening supplies, or sports equipment, can also make it easier to find what you need.
You can also sort your storage into clear-plastic bins, where you can easily keep track of what’s where. Some homeowners create separate cubbies for different members of the family, where everyone is responsible for their belongings.
If after reorganizing your garage still feels cramped, try getting rid of things you don’t need.
Using these tricks will maximize your space (and keep your garage from looking like that “everything drawer” in your kitchen).
Tips for Parking in a 2-Car Garage
The key to fitting both of your vehicles within a 2-car garage may be the right parking strategy.
Parking two cars in a garage can be challenging. To help you navigate the space, install a garage parking aid, like hanging a tennis ball from a string or placing an anti-skid mat on the floor.
Some homeowners add mirrors to their garages or delineate each parking space with markings on the floor. Arranging cars in the same direction can also help optimize your space. These small steps can spare you from a costly and embarrassing accident.
Final thoughts
The dimensions of your ideal garage are ultimately determined by the size of your car, the hobbies you plan to practice here, the additional storage space you need, and how easily you want to access your cars.
So make a list of your needs as a homeowner and start drawing up your dream garage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some standard 2-car garage dimensions?
The most standard two-car garage dimensions are 20’×20′ and 24’×24′, although 24’×30′ is also not uncommon. These dimensions leave plenty of space for two parked cars, and there is some space for storage.
Remember that if you want extra garage storage space or have a larger vehicle, you should opt for a 2-car garage greater than 24’x30′.
How many square feet is a 2-car garage?
Most two-car garages are somewhere between 360 square feet (18’x20′) and 720 square feet (24’×30′).
How wide is a two-car garage?
A standard two-car garage is usually between 18′ and 24′ feet wide.
What are the dimensions of a typical garage door?
A single garage door is usually about 8×7 feet, while a double garage door is around 16′ x 7′ feet.’ However, the size of your garage door will depend on the size of the garage.
Is 16 feet wide enough for two cars?
A garage that is 16 feet wide can technically fit two cars, but it will be tight. Most cars are around 6 to 7 feet wide, so that won’t leave much space for you to open and close your car doors. However, if you have two compact vehicles, a 16-foot wide garage could work.
How much does it cost to build a 2-car garage?
According to Forbes, it costs an average of $52 per square foot to build a two-car garage. That means a 24×24 garage would cost around $30,000 (rounded up). By the same measure, a 24×30 garage costs around $31,200. Of course, the price can vary depending on the materials, flooring, and garage doors.
