Choosing the Right Garage Door Size for Your Home

Garage Door Sizing Guide

Ordering the wrong size garage door is an expensive mistake. Doors are not easily trimmed or adjusted, so accurate measurements are essential before you buy. Here's how to get it right.

Standard Garage Door Sizes

Most residential garage doors come in standard widths and heights:

Single-Car Doors

• 8' x 7' - The most common single-car size. Fits most standard single garages
• 9' x 7' - Slightly wider. Provides more clearance for larger vehicles and easier entry/exit
• 10' x 7' - Extra-wide single. Good for trucks, SUVs, or garages that double as workshops

Double-Car Doors

• 16' x 7' - The standard double-car size. Fits two average-sized vehicles
• 16' x 8' - Standard width with extra height for taller vehicles (trucks, vans)
• 18' x 7' - Extra-wide double. Provides more clearance between parked vehicles
• 18' x 8' - The most spacious standard option

How to Measure Your Garage Opening

1. Width: Measure the opening at the widest point, from the inside edge of one side jamb to the other. Measure at the floor and at the top. Use the smaller number
2. Height: Measure from the floor to the bottom of the header (the beam above the opening). Measure on both sides and use the smaller number
3. Headroom: Measure from the top of the opening to the ceiling or lowest obstruction (lights, pipes, etc.). Standard openers need at least 10-12 inches of headroom. Low-headroom options are available for tighter spaces
4. Side room: Measure the distance from the edge of the opening to the nearest wall on each side. You need at least 3.75 inches on each side for the track
5. Depth: Measure from the opening to the back wall. The garage must be deep enough for the door to fully open (door height + 18 inches minimum)

When Standard Sizes Don't Fit

If your garage opening doesn't match a standard size:

• Slightly undersized opening: You may be able to modify the framing to fit a standard door (cheaper than a custom door)
• Slightly oversized opening: Add framing material (filler strips) to reduce the opening to a standard size
• Significantly non-standard: Custom doors are available but cost 30-50% more than standard sizes and have longer lead times

Choosing the Right Height

The standard 7-foot height works for most sedans and small SUVs. Consider an 8-foot door if:

• You drive a full-size truck, van, or large SUV
• You plan to add a roof rack or cargo carrier
• You want extra clearance for comfort and safety
• Your garage opening is already 8 feet tall

The cost difference between 7' and 8' doors is typically $100-$200 and well worth it if your vehicles are taller.

Two Single Doors vs. One Double Door

For a two-car garage, you have a choice:

• One double door (16' or 18'): Lower cost, one opener, cleaner look. But if it breaks, both cars are stuck
• Two single doors (8' or 9' each): Higher cost (two doors, two openers), but if one breaks, the other still works. Also provides more design flexibility and better wind resistance

In most cases, a single double-car door is the better value unless you live in a high-wind area or want the redundancy of two independent doors.