How Are Carports Measured?
Carports are typically measured width x length x height, but before ordering a carport or metal building, it is essential to understand just how these dimensions are measured, and how they come into play.
If you are wishing to avoid getting a permit, some building departments may require you stay under certain square footages, though they will sometimes take into account your roof overhang and peak height. We go over this in more specifics below.
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The Basics of Carport Measurements
Carports are typically measured using three key dimensions: width, length, and height. Here’s a breakdown of each type of dimension, and just how we measure those dimensions:
1. How Carport Widths are Measured
The width of a carport is measured from the outside of one base rail, to the outside of the opposing base rail (when looking at the gable end), and refers to the measurement across the front opening of the structure. This dimension determines how many vehicles or items can be accommodated side by side. For example:
- Single car carports: 12 feet wide
- Double car carports: 18 to 24 feet wide
- Triple car carports: 26 to 30 feet wide or more
Whilst we can do any width (up to 80’), width pricing goes up in increments of 2’, so if you plan to do a 19’ wide carport, consider going up to 20’ if you have the room. Our minimum width is 6 feet, but all standard pricing starts at 12 feet (sheds exempt), so if you have the room, and your township allows it, consider going wider.
2. How Carport Lengths are Measured
The length of a carport is the distance from the front end to the back end. This dimension dictates how much space you’ll have for the length of vehicles or storage items. Standard lengths our customers most commonly order include:
- 20 feet
- 25 feet
- 30 feet
The minimum length metal building and carport we sell is 5 feet. However, all standard pricing starts at 20 feet (sheds exempt), so if you have the room, consider going longer if your township or local building department allows it.
3. How Carport Heights are Measured
Carport heights are measured from the ground or installation surface to the top of the lowest point of the roof framing (known as the eave). We typically refer to this as the “sidewall height” Standard heights our customers most commonly order include:
- 8 feet
- 9 feet
- 10 feet
Our maximum height for steel carports, steel garages, steel camper covers, and all other steel buildings is 20’. Our minimum height is 1’ (generally used as metal pool cover), but all standard pricing starts at 6 feet, so if you have the vertical space, and your township allows taller buildings, consider going up to at least 6 feet for no additional cost to you.
Additional Considerations for How Carports Are Measured
While width, length, and height are the primary dimensions, other factors can impact your carport’s overall functionality:
Peak Height
Our standard structures have a 3/12 pitch, which means for every 12 inches we go over, the carport height rises by 3 inches. This is very important to keep in mind when looking to get a permit for your metal building or carport. Some township buildings departments measure the height to the top of the sidewall, but others go by the peak of the roof.
This isn’t always a bad thing. For example, if your township regulates the height of the peak, you can use a lower pitch and end up with a higher sidewall height, meaning you will actually have more air space inside the structure.
A simple formula to calculate your peak height is:
- 1/2 width * pitch + sidewall height = peak height
- Example for 20x20x8 carport with 3/12 pitch:
- 20’ width / 2 = 10’
- 10’ * 3/12 pitch = 2.5 feet
- 2.5 feet + 8 feet = 10.5 feet
- Peak Height = 10.5
Roof Overhangs
All of our standard metal carports and metal buildings have a 6 inch overhang on the roof on both sides and both ends. When we refer to your length or width, we are referring to the measurement of the framing. Your township or local building department may measure length or width differently, so make sure to double check with them before ordering a steel structure. You don’t want to purchase a 10×10 shed with the idea that all structures 100 sqft and under won’t require a permit, then find out your township is measuring from the roof (11 feet x 11 feet because of roof overhang).
Roof Style
We use three different truss types in the steel framed metal buildings we sell: curved bows, squared bows, and commercial truss bows. Each type of bow will have a different amount of space in the area where you would typically find rafters on a traditional garage. Make sure to choose a style that aligns with your needs. If you need more information, or assistance choosing, please call one of our carport professionals at (317) 300-4190 or email [email protected].
Can I Pour a Concrete Pad the Same Size as my Carport?
If you’re pouring a concrete slab, we recommend adding 1.5 inches of concrete. This gives us plenty of room to anchor without concerns of busting, cracking, or otherwise damaging your slab. For example, if you want a metal carport that is 20 feet x 20 feet, we would recommend pouring your slab 20 feet 3 inches x 20 feet 3 inches.
We can install carports the same size as your pad, but we do have to use a different anchoring style that is slightly inferior, though still adequate.
As always, check with your township before making any concrete decision (pun intended). We wrote an article titled Do I Need a Permit for a Carport going over more specifics about the permitting process for metal carports.
Choose The Carport Co. for Your Insulated Carport or Metal Building
Understanding how carports are measured is the first step in finding the perfect fit for your property. At The Carport Co., we’re committed to helping you navigate the process with ease. If you have questions or need assistance in selecting the ideal carport dimensions, our experts are here to help.
Ready to find your perfect carport? Contact The Carport Co. today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main dimensions used to measure a carport?
The main dimensions used to measure a carport include: length, width, height, but can sometimes include your roof overhang (typically 6 inches each side), and your peak height (varies with pitch, standard is 3/12)
What size carport should I get?
When deciding what size carport you should get, you should first decide how many vehicles you will be storing under it, as well as considering whether you wish to store other equipment, such as lawn equipment, underneath. Standard single car carports are 12 feet wide, double car carports range from 18 feet to 24 feet and triple car carports are typically at least 30 feet wide.
What is the difference between peak height and eave height in carports?
The eave height in carports and metal buildings is the measurement from the ground or your installation surface to the lowest point of the roof height, we generally refer to this as “sidewall height” for simplicity’s sake. The peak height is the height at the tallest point on your carport’s roof.
Do carport measurements include the roof overhang?
No, carport measurements do not typically include the roof overhang. However, every manufacturer is different, so always double check before purchasing. All structures advertised and sold by The Carport Co. are measured from the framing alone, without taking the roof overhang into account.
Can a representative come out and measure my site?
Yes! We would be happy to get one of our representatives out to your site to measure your area and ensure you choose the right carport size for your needs.
Ready to Begin Your Project?
Do you think The Carport Co. would be a good fit for you? We’d love to earn your business. Fill out the quote form, and one of our friendly representatives will be in touch with you shortly. We’re here to answer questions you may have, provide personalized recommendations, and get you an estimate on your project.
To speak with someone, call (317) 300-4190 or email [email protected].
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The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide is a collection of articles by The Carport Co. These articles have been catered to first time steel and metal carport, garage, and commercial building buyers. Our goal is to share as much information with customers as possible, to help make informed decisions, and ensure a customer doesn’t discover an addition they would have liked to added at the time of sale, but was not aware of the option’s existence.
Here is a preview of a few articles. To view the full Buyer’s Guide, please visit the Ultimate Buyer’s Guide page.
