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Calculators / Structures

Will a shed fit in your yard?

Measure the spot, the distance to your lot lines and the gate. You'll get the biggest common shed that fits your setbacks and can get back there.

These are example numbers. Put in yours.

The spot

ft

Along the side lot line. Open ground, no trees or slab edges.

ft

Toward the back lot line.

Your setbacks

ft

3 to 5 ft is common for sheds. The zoning office will tell you yours.

ft

From the side edge of the spot to the property line. The fence is often not the line.

ft
Permit-free size in your town

Getting it back there

How the shed shows up
in

The clear opening, post to post.

This fits

8 x 12 ft shed

That's the biggest common size that fits your setbacks and gets through the gate.

Usable spot
11 x 14 ft= 154 sq ft
Biggest that works
8 x 12 ft
Permit-free up to
120 sq ft
Gate needed
120 inyours is 120 in
See 8 x 12 ft sheds on Amazon

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side: setback 5 ft - 2 ft you have = 3 ft off the width

rear: setback 5 ft - 3 ft you have = 2 ft off the depth

usable = (14 - 3) x (16 - 2) = 11 x 14 ft

gate for a delivered shed = shed width x 12 + 24 in

Common shed sizes

5 of 13 work
  • 4 x 6 ft24 sq ft
    Fits
  • 6 x 8 ft48 sq ft
    Fits
  • 8 x 8 ft64 sq ft
    Fits
  • 8 x 10 ft80 sq ft
    Fits
  • 8 x 12 ft96 sq ft
    Fits
  • 10 x 10 ft100 sq ft
    Gate too narrow

    Delivered whole, it needs about a 144 in gate. Yours is 120 in.

  • 10 x 12 ft120 sq ft
    Gate too narrow

    Delivered whole, it needs about a 144 in gate. Yours is 120 in.

  • 10 x 14 ft140 sq ft
    Gate too narrow

    Delivered whole, it needs about a 144 in gate. Yours is 120 in.

  • 10 x 16 ft160 sq ft
    Too big

    You have 11 x 14 ft after setbacks.

  • 12 x 12 ft144 sq ft
    Too big

    You have 11 x 14 ft after setbacks.

  • 12 x 16 ft192 sq ft
    Too big

    You have 11 x 14 ft after setbacks.

  • 12 x 20 ft240 sq ft
    Too big

    You have 11 x 14 ft after setbacks.

  • 12 x 24 ft288 sq ft
    Too big

    You have 11 x 14 ft after setbacks.

Either way around counts. A 10 x 12 can sit 12 ft wide or 10 ft wide.

Eaves

Shed sizes are the floor. The roof hangs 4 to 12 in past that, and some towns measure the setback to the eave. Ask.

Room around it

Leave 2 ft on the sides you need to reach for paint, gutters and a ramp at the door.

Gate too small

A fence panel or two can come out for delivery day. Ask the dealer what width their mule needs. Some want more than 2 ft.

Base

Plan a level gravel pad 1 ft bigger than the shed on every side. It keeps the floor dry.

How we work it out

Your town says how close a shed can sit to the lot line. If your spot is closer than that, we take the difference off the spot.

usable width = spot width - (setback - distance to side line)

usable depth = spot depth - (setback - distance to back line)

Then we check the common sizes, from 4 x 6 up to 12 x 24, either way around.

A shed delivered in one piece needs a gate about 2 ft wider than the shed. That leaves room for the mule or trailer.

gate needed = shed width x 12 + 24 in

A kit needs its biggest box to clear the gate with 2 in to spare. Lumber for a shed built on site goes through any gate.

The model code skips the permit up to 200 sq ft. Lots of towns cut that to 120 sq ft, and some want a permit for any shed. Call the zoning office before you order. Ask about setbacks, the permit size and if they measure to the wall or the eave.

Where the numbers come from

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