how wide is double car garage

[McSarah]

The standard width for a double car garage is 20 feet. However, this is often considered a minimum for modern vehicles. A more comfortable and recommended width is 24 feet, which provides adequate space for opening car doors and moving around.

The 20-foot width is a legacy standard based on smaller cars from past decades. Today's vehicles, especially full-size trucks and SUVs, are significantly wider. Parking two such vehicles in a 20-foot garage often results in doors bumping against each other or the walls. The extra 4 feet in a 24-foot garage provides crucial side clearance, making daily use much more practical.

Beyond just parking, you must also account for the garage door opening. A standard double garage door is 16 feet wide. If your garage is only 20 feet wide, that leaves just 2 feet of wall space on each side, which can feel very tight when pulling in.

Factor	Minimum / Standard Width	Recommended / Comfortable Width	Notes
Overall Interior Width	20 feet	24 feet	22 feet is a common compromise.
Garage Door Width	16 feet	18 feet	Essential for wider trucks/SUVs.
Side Clearance per Car	~1.5 - 2 feet	3 feet or more	Prevents door dings and allows for easy exit.
Vehicle Example 1 (Width)	Honda Civic (~5.9 ft)	Ford F-150 (~6.8 ft)	Modern trucks necessitate more space.
Vehicle Example 2 (Width)	Toyota Camry (~6.0 ft)	Chevrolet Suburban (~6.7 ft)	Large SUVs are common family vehicles.

When planning a new garage, consider your current and future vehicles. If you own or plan to own larger models, investing in a wider build is a smart decision for long-term convenience and protecting your investment from accidental damage.

[McChase]

From my experience building homes, 20 feet is what the old rulebooks say, but it's just too tight. You'll be squeezing out of your car. If you're building new, do yourself a huge favor and go for 24 feet wide. That extra space makes all the difference for getting kids and groceries in and out without scraping the door against your other car. It's a small cost upfront for a major daily convenience.

[VanMatteo]

We just built our house and went with a 22-foot wide garage after a lot of debate. It's a perfect middle ground. Our SUV and my sedan fit with enough room that we don't have to be super careful opening the doors. It felt wasteful to go bigger, but 20 feet seemed like a headache. Check the actual width of your cars, add at least three feet for walking space between them, and that's your ideal number.

[VonRylee]

Think beyond just parking. How will you use the space? I use my garage as a workshop, so I went with a 26-foot width. This gives me space for both cars and a workbench along one wall without feeling cramped. Even if you just need space for trash cans, bikes, or storage shelves, a few extra feet of width transforms the garage from a pure parking spot into a truly functional part of your home.

[LeViolet]

I learned the hard way with my 20-foot garage. My truck fits, but my wife’s SUV barely fits next to it. We have a system where whoever parks second has to pull in at an angle. It’s a constant annoyance. When we talk about remodeling, a wider garage is at the top of the list. Don't just meet the minimum code; think about real-life use. Your future self will thank you for every extra inch you can get.