Quick Summary
- Standard residential garage doors are typically measured by the door’s width and height, not the rough opening, and “standard” can vary by layout, vehicle needs, and the home’s era.
- Common sizes include single doors at 8’×7′ or 9’×7′ (sometimes 9’×8′ or 10′ wide) and double doors most often at 16’×7′ (also 16’×8′, 18’×7′, and 18’×8′).
- Standard garage door height is usually 7 feet, with 8 feet common in newer builds or for taller vehicles, roof racks, and overhead storage.
- To choose the correct size, measure the opening width and height in multiple spots, plus side room, headroom, and backroom to ensure tracks and the opener will fit.
- Single vs. double door setups affect convenience and maintenance: two singles offer redundancy and lighter doors, while one double provides a larger clear opening but needs more robust hardware and tighter clearance alignment.
How Much Does a 2 Car Insulated Garage Door Cost: R-Value, Materials, and Options
If you’re shopping for a new door, replacing an old one, or trying to price out an upgrade, knowing the standard garage door sizes saves you a lot of headaches. Most homes in Seattle fall into a handful of common garage door sizes, but “standard” can still vary based on when the house was built, whether the garage is detached, and if the opening was framed for a single or double bay.
This guide breaks down the typical dimensions you’ll see, what standard garage door height usually looks like, and how to measure a garage door opening correctly so you can confidently answer: what size garage door do I need?
Introduction to Garage Door Sizes
Garage doors are typically described by width and height, and those numbers usually refer to the door itself, not the rough framing. That distinction matters because the opening, tracks, and clearance space all need to work together for smooth operation.
Whether you’re dealing with a newer build or an older Seattle garage that’s been remodeled, the fastest way to avoid ordering the wrong door is to understand the usual sizing patterns first, then verify your specific opening with a few quick measurements.
Understanding Standard Garage Door Sizes
Most “standard” sizing comes down to what manufacturers stock most often and what builders commonly frame for. In other words, you’ll see the same sizes repeated because they fit the majority of vehicles and garage layouts, and they’re easier to replace without custom work.
Here’s what typically drives the difference between standard garage door sizes from one home to the next:
- Single vs. double layout: A single vs double garage door size decision changes everything, from width to hardware and track layout.
- Standard garage door height: Many garages use a common height, but taller openings are popular for SUVs, trucks, or storage lifts.
- Era of construction: Older garages can have “almost standard” openings that are just a bit off, which is where measuring becomes critical.
- How the garage is used: Parking only, workshop space, or extra storage can influence door selection and clearance needs.
Common Garage Door Sizes
When people search standard garage door sizes, they’re usually looking for the most common widths and heights used on residential garages. While there are variations, most homes land in a predictable set of dimensions.
Here are the common garage door sizes you’ll see most often:
- Single garage doors: Commonly 8 feet wide or 9 feet wide, usually at 7 feet tall.
- Double garage doors: Commonly 16 feet wide, usually at 7 feet tall.
- Wider single doors (less common): 10 feet wide is sometimes used when a single bay needs extra clearance.
You may also find doors that are 18 feet wide for larger two-car openings, or custom widths when the framing is unusual. The point is not to memorize every possible option, but to know what “normal” looks like so you can spot when your garage is outside the standard range.
If you’re unsure what size garage door do I need, these common sizes are a good starting assumption, but you still need to measure before ordering.
Standard Garage Door Height
Standard garage door height is where homeowners get tripped up, especially if they only measure width. Height impacts vehicle clearance, door style availability, and even the amount of headroom you’ll need for the track system.
The most common residential height is 7 feet, but 8 feet is also widely used, especially in newer builds or garages designed for taller vehicles. If you drive a truck, use a roof rack, or plan to install overhead storage, moving from 7 feet to 8 feet can feel like a big upgrade.
A quick reality check: if your opening is 7 feet tall, you still might need a slightly different door setup depending on the type of track and how much headroom is available. That’s why the next step matters.
How to Measure a Garage Door Opening
If you want an accurate answer to what size garage door do I need, you must measure a garage door opening, not guess. A door that is even slightly off can cause installation problems, poor sealing, or a system that runs rough and noisy.
You’ll want to measure more than just width and height. Garage doors need space above and behind the opening for tracks and the door sections to travel. That clearance is often the limiting factor in older garages.
Tools You Will Need
You do not need anything fancy to measure a garage door opening, but you do need to be consistent and precise. A few small mistakes can turn into big fit problems later.
Here’s what you’ll want on hand:
- Tape measure (at least 25 feet for double openings)
- Step ladder
- Notepad or phone notes
- Level (optional, but helpful for spotting out-of-square framing)
- Flashlight (garages hide details in the shadows)
If you’re measuring alone, a clamp or a second tape can help keep the end anchored, especially on double openings where the span is wider.
h3 Step-by-Step Measurement Process
To figure out standard garage door sizes that actually match your garage, follow this order. It keeps the process simple and reduces the chance of mixing up measurements.
- Measure the width of the opening
- Measure across the inside of the framed opening, from left jamb to right jamb. Take the measurement at the top and bottom. If they are different, note both. That difference can signal the opening is not perfectly square.
- Measure the height of the opening
- Measure from the floor to the top of the opening on the left and right sides. Again, note both if they differ. Small differences matter because the door needs to seal evenly.
- Measure side room
- Measure the space from the edge of the opening to the nearest wall or obstruction on both sides. Tracks, brackets, and the spring system need room to mount.
- Measure headroom
- Measure from the top of the opening to the ceiling or the lowest obstruction (ducts, beams, pipes). Headroom determines what track type you can use and whether the opener fits cleanly.
- Measure backroom
- Measure from the opening back into the garage. The door sections travel along horizontal tracks, so you need enough depth for the door to fully open without hitting storage or ceilings.
This is the core of how to measure a garage door opening correctly. Once you have these numbers, you can compare them to common garage door sizes and see whether your garage is standard or needs a special setup.
Considerations for Headroom and Backroom
Headroom and backroom are the two measurements that can quietly ruin an otherwise straightforward door replacement. Many homeowners measure width and height, assume they’re done, and then discover the opener or track system cannot fit.
Here’s what to watch for:
- Low headroom: You may need a different track setup, different spring system, or a special opener configuration.
- Obstructions: Beams, HVAC ducts, or storage shelves can limit where tracks and openers can go.
- Short backroom: If the garage is shallow, the door may not fully open without hitting something, or it may require adjustments to track layout.
- Ceiling slope: Some garages are higher in the center than at the door, which affects opener mounting.
If you are comparing single vs double garage door size options, remember that double doors usually need more robust hardware and can be less forgiving with clearance. That does not mean they are bad, it just means measuring carefully matters more.
Single vs Double Garage Door Size
Choosing between a single vs double garage door size is not just about what looks better. It affects daily use, long-term maintenance, and how flexible your garage feels. A single door setup (two single doors for a two-car garage) gives you separation and often redundancy. A double door setup gives you a larger clear opening and a cleaner exterior look.
In Seattle, where garages often double as storage and workshop space, the “best” option depends on how you use the space and what you need to access. The good news is that both setups can use standard garage door sizes. The key is understanding which standard dimensions match your framing and your lifestyle.
Standard Dimensions for Single Garage Doors
Single doors are common for one-car garages and also for two-car garages built with two separate bays. The most common garage door sizes for a single opening typically include:
- 8 feet wide x 7 feet tall
- 9 feet wide x 7 feet tall
- 9 feet wide x 8 feet tall (popular when taller vehicles are involved)
You may also see 10-foot-wide singles in certain layouts, especially if the bay needs extra clearance for wider vehicles or easier parking.
If you are asking what size garage door do I need for a single bay, the “right” choice is usually driven by how tight the parking feels, not just what was there before. Sometimes homeowners upgrade from 8 feet to 9 feet width when the framing allows because that extra space makes daily parking much easier.
Standard Dimensions for Double Garage Doors
Double doors are the classic two-car option, and they come in a few standard widths that show up again and again. The most common is:
- 16 feet wide x 7 feet tall
You will also see:
- 16 feet wide x 8 feet tall
- 18 feet wide x 7 feet tall
- 18 feet wide x 8 feet tall
A double opening can feel more convenient, especially if you need to move large items in and out, park two vehicles with less fuss, or want a cleaner look with one door instead of two. But it also means the door is larger and heavier, so hardware quality and proper installation matter more.
Pros and Cons of Each Size
If you’re deciding between two singles or one double, it helps to think in terms of how the garage works day to day. Both options can use standard garage door sizes, but the experience can feel very different.
Here’s a practical comparison of single vs double garage door size setups:
Two single doors (2 door garage door layout)
Pros:
- Open only the side you need, which can reduce air exchange if one bay is mainly storage
- If one door has an issue, you still have access through the other
- Often lighter doors, which can be easier on hardware over time
Cons:
- Two systems to maintain (two openers, springs, tracks, sensors)
- Less flexibility for moving large items in and out
- Can feel tighter for parking depending on where posts and walls land
One double door
Pros:
- Larger clear opening, easier for wider vehicles and big loads
- One system to maintain instead of two
- Clean, unified look on the front of the house
Cons:
- Heavier door with higher demands on springs and hardware
- If the door is down, that can block access to the full garage
- Clearances and alignment matter more because the door spans a wider opening
If your main question is what size garage door do I need, this decision comes before you finalize dimensions, because it determines whether you’re shopping single doors or double doors.
Determining What Size Garage Door Do I Need
The right door size starts with the opening you have, but it should also match how you use the space. Many homeowners focus on replacing what’s already there, but a replacement is also the best time to fix pain points like tight clearance, low headroom, or awkward parking.
In Seattle, garages often serve as more than a parking box. If you use the garage for bikes, tools, storage racks, or a workshop corner, the door size and clearance matter more than you might think.
This is where the combination of common garage door sizes and proper measuring pays off. Once you measure a garage door opening, you can compare it to standard garage door sizes and decide whether a direct replacement makes sense or if an upgrade is worth considering.
Factors to Consider
Before you settle on a final size, run through these practical factors. They help you avoid ordering a door that technically fits, but does not fit your life.
- Existing opening dimensions: The opening usually sets your baseline unless you’re changing framing.
- Standard garage door height needs: If your current door is 7 feet tall but you constantly worry about clearance, an 8-foot door may be worth exploring if your header and ceiling allow it.
- Daily parking comfort: If parking feels tight, a wider option might reduce dings and stress.
- How you use the garage: Storage racks, workshop use, or frequent loading can push you toward a larger clear opening.
- Ceiling clearance: Headroom and backroom may limit what door and opener setups are possible.
Vehicle Dimensions
Your vehicle is the reality check. A door can be “standard” and still feel too tight if you drive a wider SUV, a truck with mirrors that stick out, or you regularly pull in with bikes, strollers, or gear on the sides.
When you’re deciding what size garage door do I need, consider:
- Width for comfortable entry: Even a small bump in width can make parking less stressful.
- Height for taller vehicles: If you drive a truck, use a roof rack, or plan to install a lift kit, standard garage door height becomes a bigger deal.
- Future-proofing: If you plan to upgrade vehicles in the next few years, it can be smart to size for the next vehicle, not only the current one.
The goal is not maximum size for the sake of it. It’s a door that fits without constant careful inching and second-guessing.
Additional Storage Needs
In many Seattle garages, storage is the main event. If you have overhead racks, hanging bikes, kayaks, or shelves along the walls, door sizing and clearance affect how usable that storage really is.
Think about:
- Overhead storage and track clearance: Low headroom can conflict with storage racks and certain opener setups.
- Wall storage near the opening: If shelving starts close to the door, a wider opening can help you avoid awkward angles when moving items.
- Workshop space: If you use the garage as a workspace, you may care more about a stable interior environment and less about maximum opening width.
If you’re choosing between a 2 door garage door layout and one double door, storage can be the deciding factor. Two singles can let you keep one bay closed and more protected while using the other bay frequently.
Conclusion
Standard garage door sizes cover most homes, but the best result comes from confirming your actual opening and matching it to how you use the garage. Start by identifying the common garage door sizes that fit your layout, then measure a garage door opening carefully, including headroom and backroom. That’s how you avoid ordering the wrong door or discovering installation issues after the fact.
When you compare single vs double garage door size options, focus on daily use, storage, and long-term convenience, not just what looks best from the street. With the right measurements and a clear goal, it becomes much easier to answer: what size garage door do I need?
