When planning or rethinking your garage, size really does matter. It’s not just the size of your car that you need to consider – you also need to factor in things like door clearance, storage needs, and how you’ll use the space day to day.
Whether you're building from scratch or converting a garage into something more usable, understanding the average garage sizes in the UK can help you make the right call. From standard single and double garages to the more compact dimensions often seen in new builds, there’s a lot to weigh up. And if your garage will serve a dual purpose – part storage, part workspace, or a mix of both – getting the size right at the start can save you hassle and expense down the line.
We asked leading UK garage specialists how to work out the garage size that will be the best fit for your lifestyle.
What is the average garage size in the UK?
“A single garage typically ranges in size from around 2.5m x 4.8m up to approximately 3.5m x 6m. Double garages generally span from 5m x 5m to about 6m x 6m. Most newly built garages tend to fall on the smaller end of these ranges,” explains Jamie Swales, owner and director at GarageLux Ltd.
Sizes will inevitably differ depending on the type of property you have. For instance, freestanding garages tend to offer more room to play with, while integrated designs are often more compact or shaped by the layout of your house. As a rule, older homes typically have more generous footprints, whereas modern developments prioritise internal living space, which can leave the garage feeling more of a squeeze.
Jamie Swales
Jamie is the owner of GarageLux Ltd, a family run company that specialises in everything related to garage transformations. From new flooring to a full makeover of your garage, unit or showroom, GarageLux Ltd has you covered.
How your car’s size impacts garage space
(Image credit: Hilarys)
According to research by the RAC, Britain’s most popular cars have grown in size by almost a third over the last half-century, with the average width increasing from 1.5 metres in 1965 to 1.8 metres in 2020. This expansion leaves just 15 centimetres of clearance on each side in a standard 2.1-metre-wide garage door, making parking and exiting vehicles increasingly challenging.
While it’s one thing to fit a car into your garage, it’s quite another to be able to open the doors, step out comfortably and move around without feeling boxed in. For instance, “a Ford Focus measures approximately 2 metres wide, including mirrors,” says Jamie Swales. “In terms of length, a similar car is about 4.5 metres long. So, to open the doors on both sides you’ll need an additional 80 to 100 cm of clearance on each side.”
That means a standard single garage can feel tight – especially in newer builds where proportions are often more modest. And this only becomes more of a challenge if you’re planning to park two vehicles. According to Jamie, some so-called double garages offer only just enough room for side-by-side parking, with little clearance in between. So, make sure you triple-check your internal garage dimensions, as a few extra centimetres here and there can make all the difference.
Thing to consider when planning a new garage
"Building a new garage is a great project to undertake. Not only can this boost your property's value by £10,000 but it can also give you loads of extra storage or space for carrying out hobbies, or even for entertaining, as well as storing your car," says Alastair Mayne, COO of Garolla. "But firstly, you'll need to consider permitted development rules and whether any extra rules apply if you live in a listed building or conservation area. Building regulations will also likely need to be met."
Future-proofing your garage starts with a little foresight – and a few extra centimetres in the right places. Opting for a slightly larger footprint at the outset can save you costly extensions or adjustments later down the line. So think about whether you’ll want to add built-in storage, park a second vehicle, or use the space for anything from bike maintenance to muddy boot drop-offs.
Stuart Murray, founder of Retrovintage recommends thinking vertically: “If the garage is going to be used for more than just parking, then you’ll want to factor in extra clearance on all sides, as well as headroom, which is often overlooked.”
You should also consider how your garage connects to the rest of the house or garden. Adding a side access door or incorporating utilities like lighting, sockets, or water supply can instantly elevate your garage’s practicality and potentially make it more of an asset in future home sales.
Alastair Mayne
Alastair is COO of Garolla, the UK’s leading D2C garage door provider.
Stuart Murray
Stuart is the owner of Retrovintage and an expert in mid-century and Danish design. His focus on layout and function brings a practical eye to creating stylish, space-savvy homes, even in utility areas like the garage.
How much space do you need for a garage conversion?
If you're planning to convert an existing garage, whether into a home gym, office, or extra living space, size and layout should be your starting points.
“To comfortably fit gym equipment and still have enough space to exercise, you’ll need an area of at least 3m x 6m – the size of a typical single garage – dedicated solely to the gym setup,” says Jamie Swales at GarageLux Ltd.
Storage-heavy conversions, such as those doubling up as garage utility rooms will benefit from vertical garage storage ideas and open floor space. Partition walls can help define zones – one for laundry, another for tools, and a clear route through for easy access.
If your garage is on the narrower side, it’s worth measuring the internal width after insulation and plasterboard are installed, as these can shave off precious centimetres. And if the conversion affects your home’s layout – for example, blocking an existing side entrance or altering natural light – check whether you’ll need garage planning permission
What size should your garage door be?
(Image credit: Hilarys)
Don’t overlook your garage door – its style, clearance needs, and how it opens can have a big impact on how usable your garage is.
“There isn’t a single ‘standard’ garage door size in the UK – unlike front doors, garage doors are generally made to measure,” explains John Foster, outdoor installation manager at Hillarys. “The best approach is to choose the door type based on your garage’s internal dimensions and requirements. For example, if your garage has limited headroom, a compact roller door is ideal, as it requires minimal overhead space. If you have more room to work with, a sectional door or other styles that don’t need a roll-up box may be more appropriate.”
John also points out that while most garage doors only need internal clearance for fittings like power units or smart motors, some external tweaks – such as relocating a socket or rendering brickwork – might be required. “Ultimately, the priority is to select the style that best fits your space and needs; the door itself is then made to fit your specific opening within manufacturer specifications.”
John Foster
Joining Hillarys in 2018, John Foster oversees Hilarys installation team, ensuring every customer receives a high-quality expert installation. With a construction background and specialist product knowledge, John has a hands-on approach, dismantling each product down to component level and rebuilding it to truly understand how every part functions.
FAQs
What is the minimum size for a single garage in the UK?
Most single garages in the UK measure around 2.4m wide by 4.9m long. This provides just enough space for a standard car and limited clearance around the sides. However, older properties may offer more generous dimensions, while garages in modern new builds are often narrower to maximise indoor living areas. If you’re using the garage for anything beyond parking – like storage or DIY – consider increasing the width or length if possible.
Can you park an SUV in a standard UK garage?
It depends on the make and model. Many SUVs now exceed 1.9 metres in width (mirrors included) and can be over 4.8 metres long, leaving little room to manoeuvre inside a standard single garage. Parking is possible, but tight, and it may be difficult to fully open doors or access items stored along the walls. Always measure your vehicle carefully and compare it with internal garage dimensions before committing.
How wide should a double garage be?
To fit two cars comfortably, aim for at least 5.5 metres in internal width. This allows enough room to park side by side, with enough space to open doors without bumping into walls or shelving. Anything narrower may still technically count as a double garage, but it could feel cramped in daily use, especially if you also plan to store bikes, bins, or garden tools inside.
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Gabriella is an interiors journalist and has a wealth of experience creating interiors and renovation content. She was Homebuilding & Renovating's former Assistant Editor as well as the former Head of Solved at sister brand Homes & Gardens, where she wrote and edited content addressing key renovation, DIY and interior questions.
She’s spent the past decade crafting copy for interiors publications, award-winning architects, and leading UK homeware brands. She also served as the Content Manager for the ethical homeware brand Nkuku.
Gabriella is a DIY enthusiast and a lover of all things interior design. She has a particular passion for historic buildings and listed properties, and she is currently in the process of renovating a Grade II-listed Victorian coach house in the West Country.
