Double Garage Door Sizes

A 16 × 7 ft door is the classic two-car size in the US, but 16 × 8 and 18 ft widths are increasingly common. Compare double door sizes and decide between one wide door or two singles.

Last reviewed · Reference information, not a manufacturer specification

Most common double garage door sizes

Clopay describes 16 ft wide × 7 ft high as the baseline two-car door, with double doors typically ranging from about 12 to 18 ft wide. 16 × 8 is a popular choice for taller vehicles, and 18 ft widths give more space between two full-size vehicles.

16 × 7 door with two midsize SUVs (approximate): 16′ wide by 7′ highWidth 16′Height 7′

Diagram: two approximate midsize SUV outlines (body width, no mirrors) in a 16 × 7 opening.

Double garage door size chart

Typical double garage door sizes
Size (W × H)InchesMillimetresCategoryNotes
12′ × 7′144″ × 84″3658 × 21341.5-car / small doubleFits a car plus a motorcycle, mower or golf cart.
12′ × 8′144″ × 96″3658 × 24381.5-car / small doubleTaller oversized opening.
14′ × 7′168″ × 84″4267 × 2134DoubleNarrower double; works for two compact vehicles.
15′ × 7′180″ × 84″4572 × 2134DoubleListed as a standard width by some manufacturers.
16′ × 7′192″ × 84″4877 × 2134DoubleThe most widely cited two-car size in the US.
16′ × 8′192″ × 96″4877 × 2438DoubleTwo-car door with extra height for SUVs and trucks.
18′ × 7′216″ × 84″5486 × 2134DoubleWider double for full-size vehicles.
18′ × 8′216″ × 96″5486 × 2438DoubleWide and tall double.

Nominal sizes (width × height). In the US the nominal size normally equals the finished opening.

16 ft vs 18 ft: which width?

With two vehicles side by side, the space that matters is what’s left between them and beside each. Two 76-inch-wide SUVs in a 192-inch (16 ft) opening leave about 13 inches per gap before mirrors; in a 216-inch (18 ft) opening that rises to about 21 inches. Run your own numbers in the calculator.

Example width margin with two vehicles (approximate)
Door widthTwo compact cars (70″)Two midsize SUVs (76″)Two full-size pickups (80″)
16 ft (192″)≈17″ per gap≈13″ per gap≈11″ per gap
18 ft (216″)≈25″ per gap≈21″ per gap≈19″ per gap

Three gaps (left, middle, right), body widths only, illustrative vehicle sizes. Real vehicles vary.

One double door or two single doors?

One wide door

  • No centre post, so parking at an angle is easier.
  • One opener and one set of springs.
  • Larger, heavier door — the whole door opens every time.

Two single doors

  • Open only the side you need.
  • If one door fails, the other still works.
  • The centre post narrows the effective space for each vehicle.
Detached garage with two side-by-side single sectional doors and red trim
Two single sectional doors side by side. Photo: SharonPapierdreams, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped).

Converting two singles into one double

Removing the post between two doors usually means installing a longer structural header to carry the load above. That is structural work: involve a qualified builder or engineer and check permit requirements with your local building department. Our installation guide covers what to prepare.

Double doors in the UK and Australia

A common UK double up-and-over size is 14′ × 7′, while Australian builders commonly use 4800 × 2100 mm openings for double doors. See the regional table.

Reference sizes only

Typical sizes from Clopay’s buying guide and regional supplier guides. Confirm exact sizes with your manufacturer or installer.

Frequently asked questions

Is a 16 ft door enough for two cars?

It works for many pairs of vehicles, but two full-size trucks or SUVs can feel tight. 18 ft widths give more room for doors and mirrors.

Is one double door better than two single doors?

Neither is universally better. A single wide door is easier to drive through at an angle; two singles keep a central post, can reduce the weight of each door and let you open just one side.

Can I convert two single doors into one double?

Often, but removing the centre post usually requires a new structural header. Consult a structural engineer or qualified builder and check permit requirements.

Ready to replace or install a door?

Have a professional confirm your measurements, clearances and structural requirements before you order.

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