Carport Sizes: Standard Dimensions, Heights & Prices
The right carport size comes down to three measurements: how wide your vehicles are with the doors open, how long they are bumper to bumper, and how tall they stand, including racks, lift kits and antennas. This guide covers the standard metal carport sizes for one, two and three cars, RVs and boats, how builders measure them, and what each size costs installed.
Carport Size Guides
Each guide below covers pricing, what fits, slab size and permit notes for that size. New sizes are added to this list as they are published.
| Size | Area | Vehicles | What Fits | Installed Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10x10 Carport | 100 sq ft | Motorcycle, riding mower, patio, grill or firewood | ||
| 10x15 Carport | 150 sq ft | Motorcycle, ATV, mower or a small compact car | From $1,200 installed | |
| 12x24 Carport | 288 sq ft | 1 | 1 full-size pickup, SUV or car plus storage | From $2,727 installed |
| 12x30 Carport | 360 sq ft | 1 | Boat on a trailer, pop-up or small camper, or a truck plus storage | From $1,795 installed |
| 16x20 Carport | 320 sq ft | 1 | 1 truck or SUV plus a mower, bikes or tools | From $2,795 installed |
| 24x30 Carport | 720 sq ft | 2 | 2 full-size trucks plus storage or a workbench | From $3,555 installed |
Standard Carport Sizes Chart
Metal carports are sold width first, then length, then leg height. Most builders list widths from 12 to 30 feet as standard and build wider on request, with lengths in roughly 5-foot steps. The chart shows the common starting sizes by use.
| Use | Common Sizes (W x L) | Covered Area | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single car | 12x20 (12x21), 12x25 (12x26) | 240–300 sq ft | 12 ft wide gives door room on both sides |
| Narrow single car | 10x20 (10x21) | 200 sq ft | Tight door room; common canopy size |
| Two cars, tight | 18x20 (18x21) | 360 sq ft | Two compact cars; little door room between |
| Two cars, standard | 20x20 (20x21), 22x20 | 400–440 sq ft | The standard double carport size |
| Two trucks or SUVs | 24x20 (24x21), 24x25 (24x26) | 480–600 sq ft | Room to open doors between full-size trucks |
| Three cars | 26x20 to 30x25 | 520–750 sq ft | 30 ft wide is the usual triple-car width |
| RV or camper | 12x36 to 18x41 | 430–740 sq ft | Plan leg height 1–2 ft above your RV's height |
| Boat on a trailer | 12x26 to 12x31 | 310–370 sq ft | Measure tongue to motor, plus the trolling motor or outboard |
Sizes in parentheses are the same building listed by roof length. See how that works below.
How Carport Sizes Are Measured
A carport listed as 18x21x6 is 18 feet wide by 21 feet long with 6-foot legs. A few details trip up buyers:
- Roof length vs. frame length: Builders usually list the roof length, which runs one foot longer than the frame to shed water past the legs. A 20x21 carport has a 20-foot frame under a 21-foot roof.
- Width is free span: The width is the clear distance between the legs with no center posts, so the full width is usable for parking.
- Vertical roofs run wider: On vertical-roof carports, the roof panels usually extend a bit past the frame width at each side.
- Leg height is not total height: Leg height is the clearance at the eave. The peak of the roof sits another 2 to 4.5 feet higher on typical widths.
How Wide Should A Carport Be?
Most cars and SUVs are 6 to 6.5 feet wide before mirrors, and a half-ton pickup is close to 7 feet. Plan for about 2.5 to 3 feet of clearance at each door you need to open.
- One vehicle: 12 feet wide is the standard. 10 feet works for small cars and storage, but door room is tight.
- Two vehicles: 20 feet wide for cars and midsize SUVs; 22 to 24 feet for full-size trucks and SUVs.
- Three vehicles: 26 to 30 feet wide, with 30 feet giving comfortable door room.
How Long Should A Carport Be?
Most sedans and midsize SUVs run 15 to 17 feet long, and full-size SUVs run 17 to 19 feet. A crew-cab pickup with a 6.5-foot bed is just over 20 feet, so a 20-foot frame leaves its bumper at the edge of the roof. Go to a 25- or 26-foot length for long trucks, for a vehicle plus storage at one end, or if you want to walk around the front of the vehicle out of the rain.
How Tall Should A Carport Be?
Standard legs are 6 or 7 feet, which clears cars, most SUVs and stock pickups. Go to 8 or 9 feet for lifted trucks, vans and roof racks. RVs need far more: plan legs at least a foot or two taller than your RV, including the air conditioner and antennas. Most builders sell legs in 1-foot steps, and every added foot adds steel and cost.
Roof Styles And Steel Gauge
- Regular roof: Rounded eaves and panels running side to side. The lowest-cost option for mild climates.
- Boxed-eave roof: An A-frame house-style roof with panels still running side to side. Mid-range price.
- Vertical roof: Panels run from peak to eave so snow, rain and debris slide off. The premium option, recommended in snowy and high-rainfall areas and for carports you may enclose.
- Framing: 14-gauge steel tubing is standard; 12-gauge is the upgrade for higher wind and snow ratings. Roof panels are typically 29-gauge, with 26-gauge as an upgrade.
Concrete Slab Size For A Carport
Pour the slab to the frame size, not the roof size. A 20x21 carport has a 20-foot frame, so it needs a 20' x 20' pad. Builders anchor to concrete with concrete anchors, to dirt or gravel with rebar or mobile home-style ground anchors, and to paved driveways with asphalt anchors.
What Size Carport Can You Build Without A Permit?
There is no national answer. Some local codes exempt small accessory structures up to 120 or 200 square feet, which only covers carports up to about 10x20, and many jurisdictions require a permit for any carport regardless of size. Before you order, call your local building department and ask about permits, setbacks and required wind and snow ratings, then have your builder quote a certified unit that meets them.
Carport Prices By Size
In our September 2026 price check, installed metal carports were advertised starting around $1,695 for a 12x20 carport, $2,350 for a 10x20 carport and $2,400 for a 20x20 carport. Published installed ranges run from about $2,000 to $7,200 for single-car carports and from about $3,200 to $12,000 for 20x20 carports once taller legs, vertical roofs, walls and certification are added. See each size guide for details, or browse single car carports and double car carports.
Carport Size FAQs
What Is The Standard Size Of A Carport?
The standard single carport is 12x20 (listed as 12x21 by roof length), and the standard double carport is 20x20 (20x21). Three-car carports usually start around 26 to 30 feet wide.
What Size Carport Do I Need For Two Cars?
20x20 fits two cars or midsize SUVs with room to open doors. For two full-size pickups or large SUVs, choose 22 to 24 feet wide, and 25 or 26 feet long if the trucks are long-bed crew cabs.
What Is The Size Of A 3-Car Carport?
Most three-car carports are 26 to 30 feet wide and 20 to 25 feet long. A 30-foot width gives about the same door room per vehicle as a 20x20 does for two.
How Tall Should A Carport Be?
Standard 6- or 7-foot legs clear most cars, SUVs and stock pickups. Choose 8 to 9 feet for lifted trucks, vans and roof racks, and plan legs at least a foot or two taller than any RV you park.
Why Is A Carport Listed As 21 Feet Long Instead Of 20?
Builders list the roof length, which overhangs the frame by about a foot to shed water. A 12x21 or 20x21 carport has a 20-foot frame and sits on a 20-foot slab.
What Size Carport Can You Build Without A Permit?
It depends on your local code. Some areas exempt accessory structures up to 120 or 200 square feet, but many require a permit for any carport. Check with your local building department before ordering.
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