The Ultimate Garage Door Size Guide (2-Car, Truck, RV & Shop) 2025

hotian
October 13, 2025
3:23 pm

The standard garage door size for a 2-car garage is 16 feet wide by 7 feet tall (16’×7′). For single-car garages, the standard is 9 feet wide by 7 feet tall (9’×7′).

However, modern vehicles—especially trucks, SUVs, and crossovers—are wider, taller, and longer than the cars these standards were designed for decades ago. Today, many homeowners need 8-foot-tall doors or 18-foot-wide openings to comfortably fit two vehicles.

This comprehensive guide provides precise dimensions for every scenario: single-car, 2-car, trucks, RVs, workshops, and custom builds. You’ll learn how to measure your garage, avoid costly sizing mistakes, and choose the right door for your vehicles and lifestyle.

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Standard Garage Door Size Chart

Residential garage doors follow industry-standard dimensions, but your ideal size depends on vehicle type, garage layout, and future needs.

Residential Garage Door Size Chart (in Feet)

Single-Car Garage Doors

Width (ft)	Height (ft)	Ideal For
8×7	7	Compact cars, older homes, golf carts
9×7	7	Standard single-car (sedans, compact SUVs)
10×7	7	Full-size sedans, mid-size SUVs, extra maneuvering room
9×8	8	Trucks, lifted vehicles, rooftop cargo
10×8	8	Large trucks, SUVs with antennas/racks

Double-Car Garage Doors

Width (ft)	Height (ft)	Ideal For
16×7	7	Standard 2-car (two compact to mid-size vehicles)
18×7	7	Two full-size sedans/SUVs with better clearance
16×8	8	Two trucks or SUVs (recommended for modern vehicles)
18×8	8	Two large trucks/SUVs with rooftop equipment
20×7	7	Two vehicles with extra storage/workspace
20×8	8	Maximum residential width for large vehicles

Notes:

Heights also available: 6’6″ (rare, older homes) and custom heights up to 16 feet for RVs and commercial use.
Widths are available in 1-foot increments; heights typically in 6-inch increments.
For style options that fit your home’s architecture, see garage door styles.

What Garage Door Size Do I Need for 2 Cars?

For two modern vehicles, a 16×8-foot or 18×7-foot door is recommended over the standard 16×7 to prevent mirror strikes and provide comfortable clearance.

Why the Standard 16×7 May Be Too Small

The standard 16-foot width was designed when vehicles averaged 6 feet wide.
Modern SUVs and trucks range from 6.5 to 7 feet wide (mirrors included).
Two vehicles in a 16-foot opening leave only 1–2 feet of clearance between mirrors—tight for daily parking.
Recommendation: An 18-foot-wide door provides an extra foot on each side for easier entry and reduces door dings.

When to Choose 16×8 Over 16×7

If garage width is limited but you have vertical clearance, an 8-foot-tall door accommodates:
- Pickup trucks (average height: 6’2″–6’9″ without modifications)
- SUVs with roof racks, antennas, or cargo carriers
- Lifted or taller vehicles
16×8 is the sweet spot for two modern trucks or SUVs when 18-foot width isn’t possible.

Alternative: Two Separate Single Doors

Instead of one double door, install two 9×7 or 9×8 single doors side-by-side.
Pros: Individual access; one can be manual/insulated differently; classic aesthetic.
Cons: Higher cost (two openers, two doors), center post reduces usable width.

For sizing other types of doors, compare with bifold door sizes and front door sizes to understand residential door standards.

Infographic showing standard residential garage door sizes for single-car, double-car, trucks, and RVs

Sizing for Your Specific Vehicle: Trucks, SUVs, and RVs

Measure your vehicle’s height (including roof accessories) and width (including mirrors) before ordering; add at least 12 inches clearance on all sides.

What Garage Door Size for Trucks and SUVs?

For most pickup trucks and large SUVs, an 8-foot-tall garage door is highly recommended.
Common pickup truck heights (stock):
- Mid-size trucks (Toyota Tacoma, Chevy Colorado): 5’10″–6’2″
- Full-size trucks (Ford F-150, Ram 1500): 6’3″–6’9″
- Heavy-duty trucks (F-250, Silverado 2500): 6’6″–6’10”
Add 6–12 inches for:
- CB or AM/FM antennas (especially on trucks)
- Roof racks, crossbars, kayak/bike mounts
- Tonneau covers or bed caps
- Lift kits (add 2″–6″ or more)

Expert Tip: A 7-foot door provides only 84 inches of clearance, which is marginal for many stock trucks. An 8-foot door (96 inches) future-proofs your garage for vehicle changes and accessories.

How Tall of a Garage Door for an RV or Camper?

Typical RV garage door dimensions: 12–14 feet wide by 14–16 feet tall.
RV height varies dramatically by class:
- Class B (camper vans): 9–11 feet tall
- Class C (motorhomes): 11–13 feet tall
- Class A (large motorhomes): 12–13+ feet tall
- Travel trailers (on hitch): 10–12 feet tall
- Fifth wheels: 12–13+ feet tall
Critical: Measure with rooftop air conditioning units, antennas, and solar panels in place—these add 12–18 inches.
Width: Most RVs are 8–8.5 feet wide; 12-foot-wide doors are minimum, and 14 feet is ideal.
Recommendation: For an RV bay, order 14 feet wide × 14 feet tall minimum, with 16-foot height if your RV exceeds 13 feet.

RV parked in front of large 14×16-foot garage door showing proper clearance for height and width

How to Measure Your Garage: A 5-Step Guide

Accurate measurement of opening width, height, headroom, sideroom, and backroom ensures proper door fit and opener installation.

Labeled diagram of garage opening showing measurement points for width, height, headroom, sideroom, and backroom with dimension lines

Step 1: Measure Opening Width and Height

Width: Measure the inside width of the opening at the widest point (usually at the bottom). Measure in three places (top, middle, and bottom) and use the smallest measurement to ensure the door fits.
Height: Measure from the floor to the bottom of the header (top of the opening) on both sides. Use the smallest measurement.
Standard openings are sized to match standard door dimensions (9′, 16′, 18′, etc.).

Step 2: Measure Sideroom (Side Clearance)

Sideroom is the horizontal space from the edge of the opening to the nearest wall or obstruction on each side.
Standard requirement: Minimum 3.75–4 inches per side for standard track hardware.
Low-headroom or custom installations may require more sideroom (up to 12 inches for some commercial systems).

Step 3: Measure Headroom (Clearance Above the Door)

Headroom is the vertical space from the top of the opening to the ceiling or lowest obstruction (joists, light fixtures, pipes).
Standard requirement: Minimum 12 inches for standard lift hardware.
Taller doors (8+ feet) and opener installations may require 15–18 inches or more.
Low-headroom kits are available for garages with limited clearance (as low as 4.5 inches).

Step 4: Measure Backroom (Garage Depth)

Backroom is the distance from the garage door opening to the back wall of the garage.
Standard requirement: Door height + 18–24 inches minimum for horizontal track and opener arm clearance.
For an 8-foot door, you need at least 10–11 feet of depth.

Step 5: Check for Obstructions

Inspect for obstructions that may interfere with door operation or tracks:
- Light fixtures, electrical boxes, water heaters
- HVAC ducts, pipes, structural beams
- Windows, electrical outlets, junction boxes
Obstructions may require custom track configurations or relocations.

Pro tip: Take photos of your garage interior and bring measurements to your installer or supplier for verification. Compare your space requirements with other door types using our standard door size guide.

Specialty & Custom Garage Door Sizes

Workshops, commercial bays, and non-standard applications require larger or custom-sized doors beyond typical residential dimensions.

What Garage Door Size for a Workshop or Shop?

Common workshop/shop door sizes: 10×10, 12×12, 14×12, or 16×12 feet.
Why larger?
- Moving large equipment (tractors, mowers, ATVs, motorcycles)
- Project cars, classic car restoration
- Material delivery (lumber, sheet goods, machinery)
- Workshop flexibility for future tools or vehicles
10×10-foot doors are popular for smaller workshops and provide square proportions.
12×12 or 14×12 doors accommodate full-size trucks with trailers or equipment.

For folding access solutions, explore sliding vs. folding doors for workshop applications.

What is the largest residential garage door width?

Residential garage doors typically max out at 20 feet wide for standard residential hardware.
Doors wider than 20 feet are available but considered commercial-grade and require:
- Heavier-duty track, springs, and operator systems
- Structural support (reinforced headers, support beams)
- Often wind-rated for commercial building codes
Commercial/semi-truck doors are commonly 14 feet wide × 14 feet tall or larger (up to 32+ feet for aircraft hangars).

Expert insight: For doors 18+ feet wide, consider upgrading to steel or aluminum construction for durability. Learn more at Aluminum vs. Steel Garage Doors: Which Is Best for You?

Important Related Questions

Door size affects price, installation complexity, and opener requirements—plan accordingly to avoid surprises.

How Does Size Affect Garage Door Prices?

Larger doors cost more, but not proportionally—a double door is not simply twice the cost of a single.
Price factors:
- Size: 16×7 door typically costs 1.5–1.8× more than a 9×7 door of the same style.
- Height: 8-foot-tall doors cost 10–20% more than 7-foot doors.
- Material: Steel is most affordable; wood and custom aluminum cost significantly more.
- Insulation: R-value, windows, and hardware upgrades add cost.
Typical price ranges (installed):
- Single 9×7: $800–$2,500
- Double 16×7: $1,200–$4,000
- Double 16×8 or 18×8: $1,500–$5,000+
- RV 14×14: $3,500–$8,000+
- Custom/luxury: $5,000–$15,000+

Explore trusted suppliers: 15 Best Garage Door Manufacturers 2025.

What Size Garage Door Opener Do I Need?

Opener horsepower (HP) depends on door size, weight, and material.
Standard recommendations:
- 1/3 HP: Single-car doors up to 10 feet wide, lightweight (steel, no insulation).
- 1/2 HP: Standard single and double doors (9×7, 16×7), insulated steel, aluminum.
- 3/4 HP: Doors over 14 feet wide, 8+ feet tall, or heavy materials (wood, insulated).
- 1+ HP: Commercial doors, RV doors, or doors over 18 feet wide.

Expert Tip: For any door over 14 feet wide or 8 feet tall, we recommend a 3/4 horsepower (HP) opener instead of the standard 1/2 HP for longevity, quieter operation, and reliable performance, especially in cold climates where track friction increases.

Modern opener features: Wi-Fi connectivity, battery backup, rolling codes, and soft start/stop.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the standard garage door size for a 2-car garage?

The standard size is 16 feet wide by 7 feet tall (16×7). However, for modern SUVs and trucks, we recommend 18 feet wide by 7 feet tall (18×7) or 16 feet wide by 8 feet tall (16×8) for better clearance and ease of parking.

How wide should a garage door be for two cars?

Ideally, 18 feet wide to comfortably fit two modern vehicles with mirrors. The minimum standard is 16 feet, but this provides tight clearance (12–18 inches between mirrors).

What size garage door do I need for a pickup truck?

For most pickup trucks, a 9×8 or 10×8-foot single door is recommended. The 8-foot height accommodates antennas, roof racks, and most stock truck heights (6’2″–6’9″).

How tall should a garage door be for an RV?

Measure your RV height with all rooftop equipment (AC, antennas, solar) in place. Most RVs require 14–16 feet of height. Standard recommendation is a 14-foot-wide by 14-foot-tall door minimum, with 16-foot height for larger Class A motorhomes.

Can I replace a 16×7 door with an 18×7 door?

Yes, but it requires reframing the garage opening to widen it by 2 feet. This involves structural changes (new header, studs, siding) and should be done by a licensed contractor. Budget $2,000–$5,000+ for framing and door installation.

What is the smallest garage door size?

The smallest standard residential garage door is 8 feet wide by 6.5 feet tall (8×6.5), used for compact cars, golf carts, or storage sheds. Single doors narrower than 8 feet are considered custom.

Do I need a taller garage door for a lifted truck?

Yes. A 2-inch lift on a truck requires at least 6 inches of additional clearance (accounting for suspension travel and roof height increase). For lifted trucks, an 8-foot (96-inch) door is essential; for 4+ inch lifts, measure carefully and consider a 9-foot-tall custom door.