Carport Sizes Explained: One Car, Two Cars, Custom

Choosing the correct carport size is critical—too small and it's useless, too large and it wastes space and money. This guide explains standard dimensions, helps you calculate your needs, and explores custom options to ensure your carport fits like a glove.

Standard Carport Sizes & Dimensions

Single Carport (One Vehicle)

The minimum practical size for a standard car:

• Typical Dimensions: 3m wide x 5m long (10' x 16.5')

• Recommended Comfort Size: 3.5m wide x 6m long (11.5' x 20')

• Height Clearance: Standard is 2.1m - 2.5m (7' - 8.2'), but check for taller vehicles (SUVs, vans).

Why go larger than minimum? Extra width allows doors to open fully without hitting posts or walls. Extra length accommodates front/rear overhang and space to walk around.

Double Carport (Two Vehicles)

For side-by-side parking:

• Typical Dimensions: 5.5m - 6m wide x 5m - 6m long (18' - 20' wide x 16.5' - 20' long)

• Spacious Option: 6.5m wide x 6.5m long (21' x 21') for larger vehicles with comfortable clearance.

• Column Placement: Ensure columns don't block driver-side doors. Cantilever designs solve this.

Oversized & RV/Boat Carports

For larger vehicles:

• Camper Vans / Small RVs: 3.5m wide x 8m long (11.5' x 26')

• Large Motorhomes / Boats: 4m+ wide x 10m+ long (13' x 33')

• Height: Often requires 3m - 3.5m (10' - 11.5') clearance.

How to Calculate Your Perfect Size

Follow this simple formula:

1. Vehicle Width + 1 meter minimum (for door opening and walk space)

2. Vehicle Length + 1.5 meters minimum (for bumper clearance and access)

3. Vehicle Height + 0.3 meters minimum (for clearance and potential roof racks)

Example Calculation for a BMW X5:

• Vehicle: 2m wide x 4.9m long x 1.8m tall

• Minimum Carport: 3m wide x 6.4m long x 2.1m tall

• Comfort Carport: 3.5m wide x 6.5m long x 2.3m tall

Custom Sizes & Configurations

Sometimes standard sizes don't fit. Custom options exist for:

• Odd-Shaped Lots: Triangular or trapezoidal footprints.

• Multiple Uses: Combined carport and storage (e.g., 2/3 car parking + 1/3 garden tool shed).

• Architectural Constraints: Matching exact roof lines or bypassing obstacles.

Custom considerations:

• Lead times are longer (typically 4-8 weeks)

• Costs are 20-40% higher than standard sizes

• Engineering certifications may be required

Common Sizing Mistakes to Avoid

1. Ignoring Door Swing: Measure with doors fully open, not just car width.

2. Forgetting Future Vehicles: Buying a larger family car in 2 years? Plan ahead.

3. Underestimating Height: Include antenna, roof box, or future solar panels.

4. Overlooking Local Regulations: Many municipalities have maximum coverage rules (percentage of your plot).

Unsure about sizing? Download our Carport Size Calculator PDF or use our Interactive 3D Planner at MyCarport.eu. Simply input your vehicle make/model, and we'll recommend the ideal dimensions.