
A standard two-car garage is typically 400 square feet, based on common dimensions of 20 feet wide by 20 feet deep. However, the actual size can vary significantly depending on the design of the home and intended use, ranging from a compact 324 sq ft to a more spacious 576 sq ft or larger.
The most significant factor is the depth. While 20 feet is standard, many modern builds are going deeper to accommodate larger vehicles like crew-cab pickups or SUVs and still have storage space. A depth of 22 to 24 feet is becoming more common. The width is also variable; a 20-foot width is a tight fit for two mid-size sedans, so a width of 22 or 24 feet provides much more comfortable door clearance and extra space for shelving or a workbench.
Here’s a quick reference for common two-car garage dimensions and their square footages:
| Garage Dimensions (Width x Depth) | Total Square Footage |
|---|---|
| 18 ft x 18 ft | 324 sq ft |
| 20 ft x 20 ft | 400 sq ft |
| 22 ft x 22 ft | 484 sq ft |
| 24 ft x 24 ft | 576 sq ft |
| 20 ft x 24 ft | 480 sq ft |
| 22 ft x 24 ft | 528 sq ft |
When planning, consider not just the vehicles but what else you need to store. Lawnmowers, bikes, and tools all take up space. Always check your local building codes for any minimum size requirements or setback rules before starting a new construction project.

From my experience, calling it a "two-car" garage is often optimistic. The bare minimum you’ll see is about 20 by 20 feet, which is 400 square feet. That’s fine for two small cars, but if you have a truck or an SUV, it feels cramped. I’d recommend aiming for at least 22 feet deep. That extra couple of feet makes all the difference for getting around the vehicles and storing a few bins.

Think beyond just parking. If you want any workspace or storage, 400 square feet (20x20) will be tight. My advice is to go bigger if you can. A 24x24 garage, which is 576 square feet, is a game-changer. You can park two cars, have a workbench, and still have room for your outdoor gear without feeling like you’re playing Tetris every time you pull in.


