Choosing a new garage door is a significant decision for any homeowner. It impacts your home’s curb appeal, security, and daily convenience. A crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect of this choice is getting the dimensions right. An incorrectly sized door can lead to installation headaches, operational problems, and even damage to your vehicles. This comprehensive garage door sizing guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from standard residential sizes to how to measure your opening correctly. Understanding garage door dimensions ensures your new door fits perfectly, functions smoothly, and meets building code requirements. Whether you’re replacing an old door or planning a new garage construction, this guide provides the expert insights you need to make an informed decision. We’ll cover standard dimensions for single and double-car garages, special considerations for RVs and oversized vehicles, and the necessary clearance space for a flawless installation.
What Are Garage Door Dimensions?
Garage door dimensions are typically presented in a width-by-height format, such as 9×7 feet. The first number always represents the width, and the second represents the height. It is essential to understand that these numbers refer to the size of the rough door opening, not the physical measurements of the garage door panel itself. The actual door panel is slightly larger to ensure a proper seal and overlap with the door frame, preventing drafts and weather intrusion. When you see a door listed as 9×7, it is designed to fit a 9-foot-wide by 7-foot-high opening. Getting these garage door measurements correct is the first step toward a successful installation.
Standard Garage Door Sizes for Residential Homes
While custom options are available, most residential garage doors come in standard sizes. These dimensions are designed to accommodate the majority of common vehicles and streamline the manufacturing and installation process.
Single-Car Garage Door Dimensions
Single-car garage doors are designed to fit one vehicle comfortably. The most common widths are 8, 9, and 10 feet.
- 8×7 Feet: An 8-foot-wide door is a compact option, suitable for smaller cars. It can be a tight fit for larger sedans or small SUVs, leaving little room for error when parking.
- 9×7 Feet: This is arguably the most popular single garage door size. A 9-foot width provides a more comfortable entry and exit for most cars and small-to-mid-size SUVs.
- 10×7 Feet: A 10-foot-wide door offers generous space for larger single vehicles, including many trucks and vans. It’s a great choice if you want extra maneuvering room.
The standard height for most single doors is 7 feet. However, an 8-foot height is becoming increasingly popular to accommodate taller vehicles like minivans and SUVs with roof racks.
Double-Car Garage Door Dimensions
Double-car garage doors are built to accommodate two vehicles side-by-side. While you could install two separate single doors, one large double door is a more common and often more cost-effective choice.
- 16×7 Feet: This is the industry standard and most popular size for a 2-car garage door. It provides enough space for two mid-size cars to park comfortably.
- 14-Foot and 15-Foot Widths: These are viable alternatives but can feel cramped for two larger vehicles. They are often used when construction constraints limit the opening size.
- 18×7 Feet: For homeowners with two large SUVs, trucks, or vans, an 18-foot-wide door is the recommended choice. This extra width prevents door dings and makes parking much easier.
Similar to single doors, the standard height is 7 feet, with 8-foot options available for taller vehicles.
RV, Oversized & Custom Garage Door Dimensions
Some vehicles require non-standard garage door sizes. Recreational vehicles (RVs), lifted trucks, and large commercial vans need significantly more height.
- RV Garage Doors: RV garage door dimensions typically start at 12 feet in height, with 14 feet being very common to accommodate modern RVs with rooftop air conditioning units. Widths are often 10 or 12 feet.
- Oversized Doors: For homeowners with lifted trucks or large custom vans, a door height of 8 or 9 feet is often necessary.
- Custom Garage Doors: If your garage has an unusual architectural design or your vehicle has specific needs, a custom garage door width and height can be manufactured. This is common in older homes or high-end custom builds.
Garage Door Size Chart
This quick-reference chart summarizes the most common dimensions for various applications. All measurements are in Width × Height.
| Garage Type | Common Widths | Common Heights | Best For |
| Single-Car | 8 ft, 9 ft, 10 ft | 7 ft, 8 ft | One standard car, sedan, or small SUV |
| Double-Car | 16 ft, 18 ft | 7 ft, 8 ft | Two standard vehicles, SUVs, or trucks |
| RV/Oversized | 10 ft, 12 ft | 12 ft, 14 ft | Class A, B, or C motorhomes, lifted trucks |
| Workshop | 10 ft, 12 ft | 8 ft, 10 ft | Large equipment, boats, project vehicles |
| Golf Cart | 5 ft, 6 ft | 6 ft, 7 ft | Golf carts, ATVs, riding lawnmowers |
How to Measure Your Garage Door Correctly
Accurate measurements are non-negotiable for a properly functioning garage door. Taking the time to measure carefully can save you from costly mistakes.
Tools You Need
Before you begin, gather the following tools:
- Tape measure
- Step ladder
- Level
- Notepad and pen
Step-by-Step Measurement Process
Follow these five steps to get a complete set of measurements for your new garage door.
- Measure the Width: Measure the width of the garage door opening at its widest point, from one side of the finished door jamb to the other. Record this measurement in feet and inches.
- Measure the Height: Measure the height of the opening from the floor to the top of the finished opening. Record this measurement.
- Measure the Side Room: Side room is the space from the edge of the door opening to the nearest obstruction on the wall. You need this space for the vertical tracks. Measure both the left and right sides. A minimum of 3.75 inches is typically required, but 6 inches is ideal for easier installation.
- Measure the Headroom: Headroom is the distance from the top of the door opening to the ceiling or the lowest obstruction (like a rafter or pipe). This space is critical for the torsion springs and opener rail. Standard systems require 10-12 inches of headroom, while low-headroom kits can work with as little as 4.5 inches.
- Measure the Backroom: Backroom is the depth of your garage, from the door opening back to the rear wall. You need enough space for the door to retract fully when it opens. The required distance is typically the door height plus 18 inches.
Clearance Requirements for Garage Door Installation
Clearance refers to the space needed around the door opening for the door’s hardware. Insufficient garage door clearance is one of the most common installation problems.
- Minimum Side Room: You need at least 3.75 inches of side room on each side for the vertical track system. If you plan to install a wider door, ensure you have adequate wall space.
- Minimum Headroom: For a standard torsion spring system, 12 inches of headroom is recommended. If you have less, you may need a low-headroom track kit, which can add to the cost. The garage door opener also requires about 3 inches of clearance.
- Minimum Backroom: Ensure there is enough unobstructed space for the door to open fully. Measure the door height and add 18 inches to determine the minimum backroom needed.
Choosing the Right Garage Door Size for Your Home
Selecting the right dimensions depends on your vehicles, your garage type, and your future plans.
Based on Vehicle Size
Consider the vehicles you own now and those you might own in the future. A standard 16×7 foot door may fit two small sedans, but it will be a tight squeeze for two large SUVs. If you have a lifted truck, measure its total height to ensure it will clear a standard 7-foot door. Future-proofing by choosing a slightly larger door—like an 18-foot width or 8-foot height—is often a wise investment.
Based on Garage Type
For a new construction project, you have the flexibility to design the opening around your needs. In a garage remodel, you may be limited by the existing structure. Attached garages sometimes have less available headroom due to living spaces above them, which might necessitate a low-headroom track solution.
Custom vs. Standard Garage Door Dimensions
Deciding between standard and custom sizes comes down to necessity and budget.
- When Standard Sizes Work: If your opening matches or can be easily modified to fit standard dimensions (e.g., 9×7 or 16×7), a standard door is the most cost-effective and readily available option.
- When Custom Doors Are Necessary: Custom sizes are required for historic homes with unique architecture, garages with arched openings, or when you need specific oversized garage doors for large vehicles.
- Cost Differences: Custom doors are significantly more expensive than standard ones due to the specialized manufacturing process. Lead times are also much longer.
Common Problems from Incorrect Sizing
Choosing the wrong size can lead to a host of issues:
- Vehicle Doesn’t Fit: The most obvious problem is a door that is too small for your vehicle.
- Door Scraping and Misalignment: A door that is too wide or tall for the opening can scrape against the frame, leading to damage and noisy operation.
- Opener Clearance Issues: Insufficient headroom can prevent the proper installation of a garage door opener.
- Higher Energy Loss: Gaps between the door and the frame caused by poor sizing allow drafts, increasing your home’s energy consumption.
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Getting It Right the First Time
Selecting the correct garage door dimensions is fundamental to a successful installation and long-term satisfaction. By understanding standard sizes, knowing how to measure your space accurately, and considering your specific needs, you can choose a door that is both functional and stylish. If you feel uncertain at any point in the process, don’t hesitate to consult with a professional garage door installer. Their expertise ensures that every measurement is precise and that your new door will serve you well for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common garage door size?
The most common residential garage door sizes are 9×7 feet for a single-car garage and 16×7 feet for a double-car garage. These dimensions accommodate the majority of standard passenger vehicles.
Will a 16×7 foot door fit two cars?
Yes, a 16×7 foot door is designed to fit two cars. However, it can be a tight fit, especially for two larger vehicles like SUVs or trucks. An 18-foot wide door provides a more comfortable amount of space for two large vehicles.
What garage door size do I need for a lifted truck?
For most lifted trucks, a standard 7-foot tall door is not high enough. You will likely need an 8-foot or even 9-foot tall garage door. It is crucial to measure the exact height of your truck at its highest point to determine the necessary door height.
Can I change the size of my existing garage door opening?
Yes, it is possible to change the size of your garage door opening, but it is a significant construction project. It involves reframing the opening, which can affect the structural integrity of the wall. This job should always be performed by a qualified contractor.
How much headroom do I need for a garage door?
For a standard torsion spring system, you need at least 10 to 12 inches of headroom. For an extension spring system, about 10 inches is required. If you have less space, low-headroom track kits are available that can work with as little as 4.5 inches of headroom.
Are commercial garage door dimensions different from residential ones?
Yes, commercial garage doors are typically much larger and more robust than residential doors. They are designed for warehouses, loading docks, and other industrial applications, with dimensions often exceeding 14 feet in both width and height to accommodate large trucks and machinery.
