How Many Square Feet Is a 2 Car Garage? Complete Size Guide
The average size of a two-car garage is between 400 and 576 square feet, which is big enough for two cars and some storage. The exact size will depend on the type of car you have and how much extra space you need. When people know how many square feet a two-car garage has, they can better plan for parking, storage, and easy access without making the space feel crowded.
How Many Square Feet Is a Standard 2 Car Garage?
Based on how much space you need for parking and storage, a typical two-car garage is between 400 and 576 square feet. Most two car garage dimensions are 20 feet by 20 feet, 22 feet by 22 feet, or 24 feet by 24 feet. A 20x20 garage is just big enough for two cars, while a 24x24 layout gives you more room for tools, trash cans, or shelves for storage.
You should think about more than just parking space when you measure the square footage of a two-car garage. Having extra storage space makes things much easier to get to and store. A lot of modular garages come with racks or storage that hang from the ceiling or the ceiling above to help people make the most of every inch of space.
20x20 (400 sq ft): Fits two compact cars but offers minimal walking space.
22x22 (484 sq ft): Allows for two vehicles and limited tools or shelves.
24x24 (576 sq ft): Considered the perfect garage size for comfort and functionality.
24x30 (720 sq ft): Great for larger vehicles and extra storage.
According to Hometown Structures’ guide on two-car garages, most homeowners choose a 24x24 garage because it offers adequate space for two cars, open doors, and additional storage.
Typical Garage Dimensions Explained
The average garage size depends on the type of vehicles and how much extra room is needed for movement. Common car garage dimensions range from 20x20 feet to 24x24 feet. These sizes work for most families and allow you to keep both garage doors closed while still having space to walk around.
Adequate space: Two cars can park side by side without scraping car doors.
Storage space: Shelves and ceiling racks make vehicle storage easier.
Comfort: Extra square footage helps improve accessibility and safety.
For more on layout options, check out Hometown Structures’ garage size chart.
How Garage Size Affects Storage and Functionality
A two-car garage is more than just a parking area. The right garage dimensions give you enough space for vehicles, tools, and other items. Adding ceiling-mounted racks or wall-mounted storage keeps the garage organized and provides easy access to your essentials.
Extra storage: Overhead storage helps save floor space.
Organization: Clear space for vehicle storage and easy movement.
Practicality: Extra room lets you access tools even with garage doors closed.
For useful layout ideas, visit Hometown Structures’ garage layout tips.
How Many Cars Can Fit in a 400 Sq Ft Garage?
There isn't much room for two cars in a 400-square-foot (20x20-foot) garage. Many people think that this is the smallest size for a garage that can fit two cars. It gives you just enough space to park, carefully open and close both garage doors. It's better to have a 24x24 garage for bigger cars like SUVs.
For small cars or sedans, Reolink’s guide on standard garage sizes says a 400-square-foot garage is best.
Small garage: 400 sq ft is tight for two vehicles with minimal walking space.
Average size: 576 sq ft allows for two vehicles and extra storage space.
Larger option: 720 sq ft gives room for workbenches or hobby areas.
Understanding Space Capacity
The square footage of your garage affects how easy parking and storage will be. A 400 sq ft garage offers limited movement, while a 576 sq ft setup provides enough space for both vehicles and a few tools.
400 sq ft: Ideal for two compact cars.
484 sq ft: Offers more clearance for vehicle storage.
576 sq ft: The average size for comfortable parking and additional storage.
For more details, visit Reolink’s breakdown of garage sizes.
Can You Fit Two Cars in a 20x20 Garage?
A 20x20 garage, which is 400 square feet, is big enough for two cars, but it's not very useful for moving things around or storing things. Most people think that this two-car garage size is good for small cars or sedans, but not for SUVs or trucks. Close both garage doors. There will be just enough room to open car doors and carefully walk between cars.
How much extra space you need for walking, storage, or tools should help you decide what size garage to get. To make more room on the floor, many modern garages have shelves or racks that are attached to the ceiling. Sometimes, 24x24 feet is the best size for a two-car garage because it has enough room for two cars, storage, and a small workbench.
The Sheds Unlimited’s space guide says that a 20x20 garage is best for small cars but feels too small for families who store bikes or tools.
20x20 dimensions: Fits two small cars but limits movement.
24x24 dimensions: Allows storage shelves and extra room for equipment.
24x30 or larger: Ideal for combining parking with other activities like woodworking.
The Reality of Limited Space
When planning your new garage, remember that car garage dimensions must include walking paths and storage access. The smallest size for two cars is 20x20 feet, but a larger option prevents daily frustration.
Movement: Narrow spaces make it hard to open car doors or reach the wall.
Storage: Installing ceiling-mounted racks helps maximize vertical space.
Flexibility: Larger garages provide additional purposes, such as hobby zones or storage.
If your property allows, a 24x24 layout is considered the best size for two cars and long-term use. You can review common sizes and layout ideas from Sheds Unlimited’s 2-car garage article.
Planning for Storage and Workspace Needs
If your garage is small, adding shelves and a workbench helps you organize tools without reducing vehicle storage. Many homeowners choose ceiling-mounted racks to create additional space above parked cars.
Overhead racks: Great for boxes or seasonal storage.
Wall shelves: Keep tools off the floor and within reach.
Extra width: A little extra space makes daily use easier.
When planning how many sq ft you’ll need, aim for at least 576 sq ft for a practical and flexible garage setup.
What Is the Minimum Size for a 2 Car Garage?
Most garages for two cars are at least 20 feet by 20 feet, or 400 square feet. This area is big enough for two cars, but it doesn't have any extra room for tools or equipment. If you need a little more room to move around, the width and length of your garage door are important things to think about.
Most experts, including Alan’s Factory Outlet, say that a two-car garage should be at least 22x22 or 24x24 feet so that it's easy to get to. The right size depends on the width of your property, the number of vehicles you have, and any other uses you want to add, like storage or hobby use.
20x20 feet: The smallest size for two cars, but tight for trucks.
22x22 feet: Offers more width and length for movement.
24x24 feet: The ideal size for cars, storage, and easy entry.
Standard Minimum Dimensions
The garage size affects how easy it is to move around once both doors are shut. The width and length of your garage determine whether you’ll have enough room for extra shelves or a workbench.
Compact garage: Works for two cars but limits storage options.
Spacious layout: Allows for additional space for bikes or tools.
Extra width: Helps when opening car doors or storing a truck.
To explore layout ideas for 2-car garage dimensions, see Alan’s Factory Outlet’s dimension chart.
Recommended Dimensions for Comfort and Storage
A 2-car garage should provide enough flexibility for vehicle storage, shelving, and other activities. When planning a new garage, think ahead about how you’ll use the space beyond parking.
Storage shelves: Great for tools and supplies.
Ceiling racks: Save space for bulky items.
Little extra space: Always plan for additional space beyond parking.
For example, Hometown Structures notes that a 24x24 garage offers the ideal size for two cars and extra storage. Larger garages, such as 24x30 feet, are perfect for adding a workbench or space for hobbies.
Final Thoughts
The right size for your two-car garage will depend on your home's size, your budget, and how much space you need for parking and storage. Most people who own their own homes think that 24x24 feet is the best size for comfort and function. Whether you're building a new garage or adding on to an old one, make sure there is enough room for two cars, a workbench, and easy access. A design with two doors also makes it easier to get in and out, and it looks great on the bigger side of any house.
FAQs
What is the average 2-car garage size for a new building?
The average 2-car garage size for a new building is about 24x24 feet, giving enough garage space for parking and storage.
Can I convert a one-car garage into a 2-car garage size?
Yes, but you’ll need to expand the width and add a double door for better access to the larger side.
Why is garage space important when building a garage?
Garage space gives room for both cars, tools, and shelves, and prevents your car doors from being hit when parked too close.
What’s better for a property, a one-car or a two-car garage size?
A 2-car garage size is better if you want more garage space, value, and flexibility on the larger side of your property.
What happens if my garage door gets hit?
If your garage door gets hit, it may affect alignment or opening clearance, so always leave enough room when parking inside your 2 car garage.
