If you’re planning to build a garage, replace a door, or simply make sure your car fits comfortably, you’re not alone. Many homeowners ask How Wide Is A Single Car Garage Door Opening because choosing the wrong size can lead to daily frustration—or costly remodeling later. This guide explains standard dimensions, real-world considerations, and expert tips so you can make the right decision with confidence.
How Wide Is A Single Car Garage Door Opening by Standard?
The most common width for a single car garage door opening in the US is 8 to 9 feet. However, this is not a one-size-fits-all answer.
Read too: The Complete Guide to Tighten Chain On Garage Door Opener for Smooth Operation
Standard Single Garage Door Widths
| Width | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|
| 8 feet (96 inches) | Older homes, compact cars |
| 9 feet (108 inches) | Modern homes, sedans & small SUVs |
| 10 feet (120 inches) | SUVs, trucks, easier clearance |
Industry insight: According to residential construction trends, 9 feet wide has become the modern standard because vehicles are wider than they were 30 years ago.
Standard Height of a Single Car Garage Door Opening
Width isn’t the only dimension that matters.
Common Heights
- 7 feet (84 inches) – most common
- 8 feet (96 inches) – SUVs, vans, lifted vehicles
A wider opening paired with extra height makes daily parking safer and more convenient.
Why Garage Door Width Matters More Than You Think
Choosing the right width affects more than just parking.
Benefits of a Wider Garage Door
- Easier entry and exit
- Less risk of scraping mirrors or doors
- Better resale value
- Future-proof for larger vehicles
Drawbacks of a Narrow Door
- Tight clearance under stress
- Higher risk of dents and scratches
- Limited vehicle upgrade options
Home design experts often recommend planning at least 12–18 inches of clearance beyond your vehicle’s width for comfort.
Vehicle Size vs Garage Door Opening (Real Examples)
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Average Vehicle Widths (Without Mirrors)
| Vehicle Type | Avg Width |
|---|---|
| Compact car | 5.8–6.2 ft |
| Sedan | 6.0–6.5 ft |
| SUV | 6.5–6.8 ft |
| Pickup truck | 6.7–7.0 ft |
👉 A 9-foot opening gives you roughly 12–18 inches of clearance, which is ideal for daily use.
Is 8 Feet Wide Enough for a Single Car Garage?
Yes—but with limitations.
When 8 Feet Works Well
- Compact or mid-size cars
- Skilled drivers
- Limited space homes
When 8 Feet Is Not Ideal
- SUVs or trucks
- Tight driveways
- New construction projects
Many homeowners with 8-foot doors eventually upgrade due to inconvenience.
Is a 9-Foot Garage Door Better for Most Homes?
For most modern households, yes.
Why 9 Feet Is the Sweet Spot
- Fits 90% of passenger vehicles
- Easier parking for multiple drivers
- Better long-term flexibility
Builders increasingly default to 9 feet in new homes because it balances space, cost, and usability.
Should You Choose a 10-Foot Wide Single Garage Door?
A 10-foot single car garage door opening is ideal if:
- You own a large SUV or pickup
- You want maximum comfort
- Your garage doubles as storage/workspace
Pros vs Cons of 10-Foot Width
Pros
- Stress-free parking
- Room for roof racks or wide mirrors
- Higher-end appearance
Cons
- Slightly higher door cost
- Requires more wall space
Garage Door Opening vs Garage Interior Width
Many people confuse these two measurements.
Key Difference
- Door opening width: clear space for vehicle entry
- Interior width: wall-to-wall space inside garage
Recommended interior width for a single-car garage:
➡️ 12–14 feet, even if the door is only 9–10 feet wide.
This allows room for:
- Door swing
- Storage shelves
- Walking clearance
Building Codes and Standard Practices in the US
While there’s no single federal standard, most local building codes align with common residential practices.
General guidelines:
- Minimum practical width: 8 feet
- Recommended modern standard: 9 feet
- Premium/comfort choice: 10 feet
For background on how residential standards evolved, see the general explanation of garage design on Wikipedia.
How to Measure Your Existing Garage Door Opening (Step-by-Step)
If you’re replacing a door, measure carefully.
Step-by-Step Measuring Guide
- Measure left jamb to right jamb (inside opening)
- Measure height from floor to header
- Measure side room (space beside opening)
- Measure headroom (space above opening)
📏 Use a steel tape measure and record in inches and feet for accuracy.
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make
Mistake vs Better Choice
❌ Choosing based only on current car
✅ Plan for future vehicles
❌ Ignoring mirror width
✅ Include mirror clearance
❌ Matching old door size blindly
✅ Re-evaluate based on modern standards
FAQ: How Wide Is A Single Car Garage Door Opening?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the most common single car garage door width?
The most common width today is 9 feet, offering a balance of space and affordability.
Q2: Can a truck fit in an 8-foot garage door?
Some can, but clearance is tight. A 9- or 10-foot door is safer for trucks.
Q3: Is a wider garage door more expensive?
Yes, but the price difference between 8 and 9 feet is usually minimal compared to long-term convenience.
Q4: Does a wider door weaken the garage structure?
Not if properly framed. Modern headers and reinforcements handle wider openings safely.
Q5: What size garage door is best for resale value?
Homes with 9- or 10-foot single garage doors are generally more attractive to buyers.
Conclusion
So, how wide is a single car garage door opening? While 8 feet is the minimum, 9 feet is the modern standard, and 10 feet offers maximum comfort and future-proofing. Choosing the right width improves daily convenience, protects your vehicle, and adds long-term value to your home.
If this guide helped you plan smarter, share it on social media so other homeowners can avoid costly garage mistakes and choose the perfect door size with confidence.
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