Garage Cost Calculator
Estimate garage cost by size, type, and finish level
Length of the garage
Width of the garage
Attached shares a home wall; detached stands alone
Interior finish and upgrade tier
Square Feet
—
sq ft
Estimated Cost
—
USD
Cost per SqFt
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USD/sq ft
Disclaimer: Results are estimates based on standard formulas. Not a substitute for professional advice from a licensed contractor, engineer, or architect. Verify all calculations before making purchasing or construction decisions.
How to Use This Calculator
Adding a garage boosts home value and protects your vehicles. This calculator estimates total cost based on footprint, whether it's attached or detached, and the finish tier you choose.
- Enter the length and width of your planned garage
- Choose Attached or Detached (detached costs more per sq ft)
- Pick a finish level: Basic, Standard, or Premium
- Review total cost and cost per square foot
Expert Insights
Smart analysis for your Garage project
Attached vs Detached
Attached garages run $40/sq ft thanks to a shared wall and foundation. Detached garages average $55/sq ft with four independent walls and a separate slab.
Finish Tier Pricing
Basic is the raw shell. Standard adds insulation and drywall (1.15x). Premium includes epoxy floors, cabinets, and finished walls (1.4x).
Standard Garage Sizes
1-car: 12x24 ft (288 sq ft). 2-car: 24x24 ft (576 sq ft). 3-car: 36x24 ft (864 sq ft). Deeper garages add storage bays.
Calculation Formula
Area = Length x Width
Base cost/sq ft = Detached ? $55 : $40
Multiplier = Premium ? 1.4 : Standard ? 1.15 : 1
Estimated cost = ceil(Area x Base cost/sq ft x Multiplier)
Cost per sq ft = ceil(Estimated cost / Area)
Garage Cost by Type & Finish
| Garage Type / Finish | Cost per Sq Ft | Foundation | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attached, Basic | $40 | Shared with home | Storage / workshop |
| Attached, Standard | $46 | Shared with home | Daily parking |
| Attached, Premium | $56 | Shared with home | Multi-use |
| Detached, Basic | $55 | Independent slab | Storage / workshop |
| Detached, Standard | $63 | Independent slab | Daily parking |
| Detached, Premium | $77 | Independent slab | Guest suite / studio |
Authority References
Our calculations are based on guidelines and standards from these authoritative sources:
- National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) — Construction Cost Survey & Garage Pricing. Learn more
- International Residential Code (IRC) — Section R309 Garages & Foundation Requirements. Learn more
- U.S. DOE — Insulating & Air Sealing Attached Garages. Learn more
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to build a garage?
A standard 2-car garage (24x24 ft) costs $23,000-$32,000 attached or $32,000-$44,000 detached, depending on finish level. Cost runs $40-$55 per square foot before premium upgrades.
Is an attached or detached garage cheaper?
Attached garages cost about $40 per sq ft because they share a wall and foundation with the house. Detached garages run around $55 per sq ft since they need four walls and a separate foundation.
How many square feet is a 2-car garage?
A standard 2-car garage is 24x24 ft, or 576 square feet. A 1-car garage is typically 12x24 ft (288 sq ft), and a 3-car garage is 36x24 ft (864 sq ft).