Tell Us About Your Shed

Size guide

What Size Shed Do I Need?

The most common shed regret is buying too small. The second is buying bigger than the yard, budget, or township allows. Here's how to land in the middle.

Common sizes at a glance

SizeTypically works for
Smaller than 8×10Chicken coops, playhouses, hunting blinds, and small tool storageunder 80 sq ft
8×10Basic tools and smaller lawn equipmentabout 80 sq ft
10×12Mower, tools, bikes, and general storageabout 120 sq ft
10×16Larger storage or a compact workshopabout 160 sq ft
12×16Workshop or significant equipment storageabout 192 sq ft
12×20 and upLarge workspace, motorcycles, garage-type use240+ sq ft

General guidance only. Not engineering, zoning, or permitting advice.

Tell us what you're storing and we'll suggest a few sizes to start with.

Help Me Choose a Size

How to size a shed in three steps

  1. List the big items. Mower, snow blower, wheelbarrow, bikes, grill, patio furniture cushions. Write down the length and width of anything with wheels.
  2. Add walking room. You need to reach the back wall without moving everything. A 2–3 foot aisle down the middle is a good rule of thumb, and more if you'll work inside.
  3. Use the walls and the roof. Shelving, pegboard, and a loft take pressure off the floor. Taller walls and barn-style roofs give you more of both.

Size by use

Basic tools and a push mower

An 8×10 often handles a push mower, trimmer, rakes and shovels, and some shelving.

Riding mower

Lawn tractors are often 4–5 feet wide with the deck and 6+ feet long. A 10×12 can work if the mower is the main item. If bikes, a snow blower, or a workbench are also going in, a 10×16 gives you room. Plan on double doors and a ramp.

Workshop

Most shoppers who want a real bench and power tools look at 10×16 or 12×16. See workshop sheds for layout tips.

Vehicles, motorcycles, and big equipment

Plan on 12×20 and up, with an overhead door. See garage sheds.

10×12 vs. 10×16

These are the two sizes shoppers go back and forth on most. A 10×12 is about 120 square feet; a 10×16 is about 160 square feet, roughly a third more floor space. If you're storing a riding mower and other equipment, or you might add a bench later, the extra four feet usually earns its keep. If the shed is mostly for hand tools and bikes, a 10×12 is often plenty.

Check before you buy

Townships set rules on how close a shed can be to property lines, and many require a permit above a certain size. HOAs may have their own rules. Check those first so you don't fall in love with a size you can't place. The shed buying guide covers this in more detail.

Help Me Choose a Size

Shed size questions

What is the most popular shed size?

Sizes in the 10×12 to 10×16 range are common because they fit a riding mower or a mix of tools and gear without taking over the yard. The right size depends on what you're storing.

Is it better to go bigger?

Usually a little bigger is better than too small, as long as it fits your yard, budget, and township rules. Most people fill whatever space they have.

Does a bigger shed need a permit?

Many townships have a size threshold above which a permit is required. Rules vary, so check with your municipality.

Not Sure Which Size Fits?

Tell us what's going inside. We'll suggest a starting size and the features that go with it.

Help Me Choose a Size