Wondering how wide a single garage door is? Use this vehicle compatibility guide to compare widths for cars, bikes, SUVs, and more.
When planning a new garage or replacing an existing door, one critical question homeowners often ask is, “How wide is a single garage door?” The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think, and getting it right is crucial for functionality and home value. At Brother’s Garage Door Service, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners find the perfect garage door dimensions for their needs.
The width of your garage door affects everything from daily convenience to long-term vehicle protection. This comprehensive guide will walk you through standard measurements, vehicle compatibility, and important considerations to help you choose the ideal garage door width for your situation.
Why Garage Door Width Isn’t “One Size Fits All”
Importance of clearance and entry space
The width of your garage door directly impacts how easily you can maneuver your vehicle in and out of your garage. Insufficient clearance can lead to frustrating daily experiences and potential damage to your car and the garage structure. Every inch matters regarding garage door width, especially if you own larger vehicles or plan to use your garage for multiple purposes.
How improper sizing impacts vehicle safety and resale value
Choosing a garage door that’s too narrow doesn’t just create daily inconvenience—it can damage your vehicle over time. Scrapes, dents, and mirror damage from tight clearances add up, potentially reducing your car’s value. Additionally, homes with properly sized garage doors typically have higher resale value, as buyers increasingly prioritize functional garage spaces that accommodate modern vehicles.
So, how wide is a single garage door?
When homeowners ask, “How wide is a single garage door really?” they typically look at standard dimensions that have evolved to accommodate modern vehicles. The industry standard width falls between 8 and 9 feet, with 8 feet as the minimum acceptable width for compact and some mid-sized cars, while 9 feet provides more comfortable access for a broader range of vehicles.
Height is equally important, with most single garage doors ranging from 7 to 8 feet tall—7 feet works for standard passenger vehicles, while 8 feet accommodates taller SUVs and trucks. For larger vehicles like full-size trucks, SUVs with extended mirrors, or if you plan to use your garage as a dual-purpose space, custom wider doors in the 10-12 foot range become necessary to provide adequate clearance and functionality.
Standard Single Garage Door Widths by Application
| Garage Type | Common Widths | Ideal Width | Height Range |
| Compact Vehicle Garage | 8 ft | 9 ft | 7–8 ft |
| Standard Sedan Garage | 9 ft | 9 ft | 7–8 ft |
| Large SUV or Truck Garage | 9 ft | 10–12 ft | 8 ft |
| Motorcycle/Bike Bay | 4–6 ft | 6–7 ft | 7 ft |
| Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle | 5–6 ft | 7 ft | 7 ft |
| Storage-Only Garage | 3–5 ft | 5–6 ft | 7 ft |
Can Your Car Fit Comfortably in a Single Garage Door?
Measuring Vehicle Width Accurately
To determine if your vehicle will comfortably fit through a single garage door, you must know its actual width—which isn’t always straightforward.
Mirror-to-mirror width vs body width
The width listed in vehicle specifications typically refers to the body width, excluding the mirrors. However, for garage door planning, you need to know the mirror-to-mirror width, which can add 1-2 feet to the overall width. For example, a mid-size sedan with a body width of 6 feet might measure 7.5 feet when including extended side mirrors.
Clearance buffer: Add 12–18 inches per side for comfort
Even if your vehicle technically fits through the opening, having sufficient clearance on both sides is essential for comfortable daily use. Industry professionals recommend adding 12-18 inches of clearance on each side of your vehicle. This buffer space allows for comfortable entry and exit without the stress of potentially damaging your vehicle or garage.
Vehicle Width Comparison vs Garage Door Size
| Vehicle Type | Avg Vehicle Width (Incl. Mirrors) | Minimum Garage Door Width | Optimal Garage Door Width |
| Compact Car | 6 ft | 8 ft | 9 ft |
| Mid-Size Sedan | 6.2 ft | 8 ft | 9 ft |
| Full-Size Sedan | 6.5 ft | 9 ft | 9 ft – 10 ft |
| SUV (Mid-Size) | 6.8 ft – 7 ft | 9 ft | 10 ft |
| SUV (Full-Size) | 7.5 ft | 9 ft | 10–12 ft |
| Pickup Truck | 7.5 ft – 8 ft | 9 ft | 10–12 ft |
| Motorcycle | 2.5 ft – 3 ft | 5 ft | 6 ft |
| Golf Cart | 4 ft | 5 ft | 6 ft |
When Should You Upgrade to a Wider Garage Door?
If your vehicle width exceeds 7.5 ft
When your vehicle’s total width (including mirrors) exceeds 7.5 feet, it’s time to consider a wider garage door. This is particularly relevant for owners of full-size SUVs, pickup trucks with extended towing mirrors, and specialized vehicles.
If you use the garage for dual-purpose: storage + vehicle
Many homeowners use their garages for vehicle storage and other purposes, such as workshops, storage, or recreation. In these cases, a wider door provides additional flexibility and access, making moving items in and out easier while still accommodating a vehicle.
If you frequently park in tight angles or have trailers
If your driveway requires angular approaches to your garage or you regularly attach trailers to your vehicle, a wider door provides the additional clearance needed for these more complex maneuvers.
Tools to use: tape measure, level, laser measurer
Accurate measurement is essential when planning your garage door width. Use a high-quality tape measure for basic dimensions, a level to ensure your measurements are straight, and consider a laser measure for precise distances, particularly in larger spaces.
Measure both frame and interior clearance.
Don’t just measure the opening—also measure the interior clearance of your garage. Remember that the door track system will take up space on the ceiling and sides, potentially limiting the actual usable width of your garage.
Don’t forget the track space on the ceiling and sides.
The track system for your garage door requires additional space beyond the door opening itself. Typically, you’ll need 3-4 inches of space on either side of the door for tracks and hardware, plus overhead clearance for the door when open.
Common Mistakes When Estimating Garage Width
Forgetting side clearance
One of the most common mistakes is only considering the vehicle width without accounting for the necessary side clearance. Remember that comfortable daily use requires 12-18 inches of space on each side of your vehicle.
Ignoring mirror width
Vehicle specifications typically list body width without mirrors. Failing to account for mirror width—which can add 1-2 feet to the total vehicle width—is a frequent oversight that leads to tight clearances.
Not accounting for garage storage racks/shelving.
Many homeowners install storage solutions along garage walls, which can reduce the space’s effective width. Always factor in existing or planned storage systems when determining the appropriate door width.
FAQs
How wide is a single garage door on average?
On average, a single garage door is about 9 feet (approximately 2.7 meters) wide. While 8-foot (around 2.4 meters) wide doors exist, 9 feet is the more common standard for comfortable single-car access.
Is a 9-foot garage door wide enough for a truck?
A 9-foot wide garage door can accommodate many standard-sized trucks, but larger or wider trucks might find it a tight fit, requiring careful maneuvering. A 10-foot or wider door is generally recommended for a full-sized truck for a more comfortable entry and exit.
What’s the minimum door width for an SUV?
The minimum door width for most standard SUVs is typically 8 feet (around 2.4 meters), but a 9-foot (approximately 2.7 meters) wide door offers more comfortable clearance and reduces the risk of accidentally scraping the vehicle’s sides.
Can I park two motorcycles in a single-car garage bay?
Yes, parking two motorcycles in a standard single-car garage bay is possible. Depending on their size and the garage dimensions, you can typically fit two motorcycles with careful positioning and parking them at an angle or side-by-side.
How do I know if I need a double or single garage door?
The primary factor in deciding between a double or single garage door is the number of vehicles you need to park inside. If you have two cars, a double door is generally necessary. Other considerations include the width of your garage opening and budget, as double doors are typically broader and more expensive.
End Note
Looking to upgrade or replace your garage door? Choosing the correct width is one of your most important decisions. How wide a single garage door is depends on your specific needs and vehicle. Whether parking an SUV, motorcycle, or truck, the correct sizing saves you time, stress, and costly fixes. Always consult a local garage door expert for precise measurements and tailored recommendations. For fast, professional support, connect with Brother’s Garage Door Service trusted garage technicians in your area today.