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What size shed do I need?

Start with the objects you need to store and retrieve—not a square-footage rule. A useful size has room for those objects, a workable opening and a checked path.

Eight footprints, drawn at one scale

Nominal area is width × length in feet. Each card uses the same drawing scale. Use the distinct question below each footprint to decide what to test.

8×1080 sq ft nominal

Start with a compact bench, then test the limits of bike storage.

Reference results
  • A bench-led repair space: shown geometry passes
  • Four bikes along the rear wall: needs a change
  • Wall bays with measured handling space: needs a change
8×1296 sq ft nominal

Find out whether more depth solves a narrow storage or work area.

Reference results
  • Two bikes with separate exit routes: needs a change
  • A bench-led repair space: shown geometry passes
10×10100 sq ft nominal

Compare a square activity area with deeper storage.

Reference results
  • Open space for floor training: shown geometry passes
  • Two bikes with separate exit routes: shown geometry passes
10×12120 sq ft nominal

Check bike access and a compact workshop against organized mower storage.

Reference results
  • Two bikes with a storage-bin footprint: shown geometry passes
  • A bench-led repair space: shown geometry passes
12×12144 sq ft nominal

Check what extra width contributes without a deeper footprint.

Reference results
  • A mobile-tool workshop: shown geometry passes
  • A rack-and-bench training space: shown geometry passes
12×16192 sq ft nominal

Compare space for a deployed tool with permanently positioned training equipment.

Reference results
  • A mobile-tool workshop: shown geometry passes
  • A rack-and-bench training space: shown geometry passes
10×20200 sq ft nominal

Test a long work area against a wider alternative.

Reference results
  • A mobile-tool workshop: shown geometry passes
  • Four bikes along the rear wall: shown geometry passes
12×20240 sq ft nominal

Decide whether permanent work zones earn their extra yard footprint.

Reference results
  • Permanent machine and assembly zones: shown geometry passes
  • A partitioned growing and storage plan: shown geometry passes

These results describe the specific reference arrangements, not general suitability scores. Open a size to see every input and limitation.

Make a storage list before choosing

  1. Measure width, length and height of each item in its stored configuration. Include handles, mower attachments and every instance of repeated items.
  2. Mark frequent, occasional and seasonal use. An item that stays parked is different from one you must move past it every morning.
  3. Separate floor footprints from wall-mounted plans. Wall hardware, projection and loading require evidence that the floor planner does not supply.
  4. Obtain the actual usable interior, clear opening and any fixed obstructions for each candidate product.

Why area alone is not enough

Two objects can have less total area than a shed yet collide because their dimensions cannot share its width or depth. A mower can stand inside but fail the opening check. A box can fit without overlap and still block the selected exit path.

Use the same items and access allowances in each candidate. If a larger layout still has the same narrow opening, buying more nominal area has not fixed that problem. The examples below make those trade-offs visible.

Common storage combinations: what changes the answer?

  • Mower + shelf

    Measure the whole mower, shelf depth and approach aisle. Keep the mower exit clear while the shelf stays in place.

    Inspect this exact worked combination

  • Bikes + storage bins

    Count every bicycle and include handlebars. Decide which bikes must leave independently; bins cannot simply borrow that exit space.

    Enter my bikes and bins

  • Yard tools + seasonal storage

    Separate floor storage from unassessed wall mounting. Seasonal settings may leave retrieval unchecked; a parked fit does not mean every item is independently accessible.

    Check my actual storage footprints

Explore the worked comparisons

Compare uses across eight reference sizes

Test one named arrangement for each use

Each result below evaluates the named example in that size. A failure rejects the shown arrangement, not every possible layout. Seasonal storage leaves retrieval unassessed; dimensions and activity allowances remain editable assumptions.

8×10

Mower + shelf
Needs a change. 54 in width + 2 in each side; 48 in clear opening.
Two bikes
Needs a change. Bike 1: the shown route is blocked with all other objects kept in place.
Bench-led workshop
Shown geometry passes. Compact workable
Open gym
Needs a change. Open training zone: no non-overlapping position was found in this bounded arrangement search.
Growing + storage
Needs a change. Growing zone: Growing bench: no non-overlapping position was found in this bounded arrangement search.
Mixed storage
Needs a change. 60 in width + 2 in each side; 48 in clear opening.

8×12

Mower + shelf
Needs a change. 54 in width + 2 in each side; 48 in clear opening.
Two bikes
Needs a change. Bike 1: the shown route is blocked with all other objects kept in place.
Bench-led workshop
Shown geometry passes. Compact workable
Open gym
Needs a change. Open training zone: no non-overlapping position was found in this bounded arrangement search.
Growing + storage
Needs a change. Growing zone: Growing bench: no non-overlapping position was found in this bounded arrangement search.
Mixed storage
Needs a change. 60 in width + 2 in each side; 48 in clear opening.

10×10

Mower + shelf
Needs a change. The selected walking aisle is blocked by Riding mower.
Two bikes
Shown geometry passes. Individual floor-bike storage
Bench-led workshop
Shown geometry passes. Compact workable
Open gym
Shown geometry passes. Compact gym
Growing + storage
Needs a change. Growing zone: Growing bench: no non-overlapping position was found in this bounded arrangement search.
Mixed storage
Needs a change. Large storage footprint 1 overlaps Large storage footprint 2.

10×12

Mower + shelf
Passes the requested checks. Check the opening and every required route.
Two bikes
Shown geometry passes. Individual floor-bike storage
Bench-led workshop
Shown geometry passes. Practical workshop
Open gym
Shown geometry passes. Practical gym
Growing + storage
Needs a change. Growing zone: Growing bench: no non-overlapping position was found in this bounded arrangement search.
Mixed storage
Needs a change. Large storage footprint 1 overlaps Large storage footprint 2.

12×12

Mower + shelf
Passes the requested checks. Check the opening and every required route.
Two bikes
Shown geometry passes. Individual floor-bike storage
Bench-led workshop
Shown geometry passes. Practical workshop
Open gym
Shown geometry passes. Practical gym
Growing + storage
Needs a change. Growing zone: Growing bench: no non-overlapping position was found in this bounded arrangement search.
Mixed storage
Passes the requested checks. Independent retrieval is not required by your seasonal setting; moving other items may be necessary.

12×16

Mower + shelf
Passes the requested checks. Check the opening and every required route.
Two bikes
Shown geometry passes. Individual floor-bike storage
Bench-led workshop
Shown geometry passes. Dedicated workshop
Open gym
Shown geometry passes. Roomy gym
Growing + storage
Shown geometry passes. 60/40 growing / storage
Mixed storage
Passes the requested checks. Independent retrieval is not required by your seasonal setting; moving other items may be necessary.

10×20

Mower + shelf
Passes the requested checks. Check the opening and every required route.
Two bikes
Shown geometry passes. Individual floor-bike storage
Bench-led workshop
Shown geometry passes. Dedicated workshop
Open gym
Shown geometry passes. Roomy gym
Growing + storage
Shown geometry passes. 60/40 growing / storage
Mixed storage
Passes the requested checks. Independent retrieval is not required by your seasonal setting; moving other items may be necessary.

12×20

Mower + shelf
Passes the requested checks. Check the opening and every required route.
Two bikes
Shown geometry passes. Individual floor-bike storage
Bench-led workshop
Shown geometry passes. Dedicated workshop
Open gym
Shown geometry passes. Roomy gym
Growing + storage
Shown geometry passes. 60/40 growing / storage
Mixed storage
Passes the requested checks. Independent retrieval is not required by your seasonal setting; moving other items may be necessary.
8×12 vs 10×10: the same open-floor arrangement

Same arrangement: 8×12 and 10×10

Equipment, activities and allowances are identical. The authored shell dimensions and opening can differ. The drawings use one scale, including full-size items that cannot be placed. Positions can change as the bounded layout search uses the available space.

8×12

Example interior 88 × 136 in; clear door 48 × 78 in.

Full-size layout and reserved spacesSeparate full-size equipment envelopes (6 in on each side), open training area and a 24 in frequent access path. Access frequency does not reduce physical dimensions. Vertical requirement: 70 in; usable height: 84 in. Objects outside the outlined shell have not been placed. Numbers refer to the object list. This is a planning diagram, not a construction drawing.Reserved entry cross-aisle: 88 × 24 in at 0, 0 inReserved side aisle: 24 × 136 in at 0, 0 inOpen training zone: 72 × 72 in at 100, 0 in123Usable interior · 88 × 136 inFront opening · 48 in clear width88 in wide136 in deepOrange: reserved route · dashed red: outside shell

Dark: equipment or storage. Pale areas: activities or zones. Dimensions in inches; scale changes with the view.

  1. 1. Reserved entry cross-aisle: 88 × 24 in
  2. 2. Reserved side aisle: 24 × 136 in
  3. 3. Open training zone: 72 × 72 in — outside shell

Inspect the layout

100%

Dimensions in inches. Zoom changes the view, not your measurements. Select an object to identify its footprint, then swipe or scroll within the drawing. With a keyboard, focus the drawing and use arrow keys.

Input-based planning only. Turning, ramps, thresholds, wall mounting and structural capacity are not approved by this diagram. Escape or Close returns to the page.

This tested arrangement has unresolved geometry conflicts.

  • Open training zone: no non-overlapping position was found in this bounded arrangement search.
10×10

Example interior 112 × 112 in; clear door 64 × 78 in.

Full-size layout and reserved spacesSeparate full-size equipment envelopes (6 in on each side), open training area and a 24 in frequent access path. Access frequency does not reduce physical dimensions. Vertical requirement: 70 in; usable height: 84 in. Objects outside the outlined shell have not been placed. Numbers refer to the object list. This is a planning diagram, not a construction drawing.Reserved entry cross-aisle: 112 × 24 in at 0, 0 inReserved side aisle: 24 × 112 in at 0, 0 inOpen training zone: 72 × 72 in at 24, 24 in123Usable interior · 112 × 112 inFront opening · 64 in clear width112 in wide112 in deepOrange: reserved route · dashed red: outside shell

Dark: equipment or storage. Pale areas: activities or zones. Dimensions in inches; scale changes with the view.

  1. 1. Reserved entry cross-aisle: 112 × 24 in
  2. 2. Reserved side aisle: 24 × 112 in
  3. 3. Open training zone: 72 × 72 in

Inspect the layout

100%

Dimensions in inches. Zoom changes the view, not your measurements. Select an object to identify its footprint, then swipe or scroll within the drawing. With a keyboard, focus the drawing and use arrow keys.

Input-based planning only. Turning, ramps, thresholds, wall mounting and structural capacity are not approved by this diagram. Escape or Close returns to the page.

The shown arrangement preserves its reserved spaces and entry aisle.

  • A failed arrangement is not proof that every layout in this size fails. Only the displayed axis-aligned arrangements were tested.
  • The entered separation is an assumption, not an equipment-specific safety clearance. Individual equipment approaches and delivery through the doorway remain unassessed.

Moving from the first example to the second changes usable width by 24 in, depth by -24 in and clear door width by 16 in. These differences belong to these examples. Obtain actual product measurements before choosing.

A changed result applies to the shown arrangement only. A different layout may work; a larger candidate can still fail a doorway, site or budget check.

10×20 vs 12×16: the same mobile workshop

Same arrangement: 10×20 and 12×16

Equipment, activities and allowances are identical. The authored shell dimensions and opening can differ. The drawings use one scale, including full-size items that cannot be placed. Positions can change as the bounded layout search uses the available space.

10×20

Example interior 112 × 232 in; clear door 64 × 78 in.

Full-size layout and reserved spacesFull-size footprints with a 24 in entry/side aisle and 30 in bench standing depth. Each mobile deployment and its orthogonal routes are tested with other parked positions unchanged. Staging is screened along the lengthwise axis; turning, actual machine feed points and manufacturer operating instructions require separate confirmation. Objects outside the outlined shell have not been placed. Numbers refer to the object list. This is a planning diagram, not a construction drawing.Reserved entry cross-aisle: 112 × 24 in at 0, 0 inReserved side aisle: 24 × 178 in at 0, 0 inBench standing area: 60 × 30 in at 26, 178 inWorkbench: 60 × 24 in at 26, 208 inMobile tool parked footprint: 30 × 30 in at 24, 24 inTool chest: 30 × 24 in at 54, 24 in123456Usable interior · 112 × 232 inFront opening · 64 in clear width112 in wide232 in deepOrange: reserved route · dashed red: outside shell

Dark: equipment or storage. Pale areas: activities or zones. Dimensions in inches; scale changes with the view.

  1. 1. Reserved entry cross-aisle: 112 × 24 in
  2. 2. Reserved side aisle: 24 × 178 in
  3. 3. Bench standing area: 60 × 30 in
  4. 4. Workbench: 60 × 24 in
  5. 5. Mobile tool parked footprint: 30 × 30 in
  6. 6. Tool chest: 30 × 24 in

Inspect the layout

100%

Dimensions in inches. Zoom changes the view, not your measurements. Select an object to identify its footprint, then swipe or scroll within the drawing. With a keyboard, focus the drawing and use arrow keys.

Input-based planning only. Turning, ramps, thresholds, wall mounting and structural capacity are not approved by this diagram. Escape or Close returns to the page.

The shown arrangement preserves its reserved spaces and entry aisle.

  • A failed arrangement is not proof that every layout in this size fails. Only the displayed axis-aligned arrangements were tested.
  • Equipment footprints and reserved spaces are editable planning assumptions. These rectangles do not establish manufacturer operating clearances.
12×16

Example interior 136 × 184 in; clear door 72 × 78 in.

Full-size layout and reserved spacesFull-size footprints with a 24 in entry/side aisle and 30 in bench standing depth. Each mobile deployment and its orthogonal routes are tested with other parked positions unchanged. Staging is screened along the lengthwise axis; turning, actual machine feed points and manufacturer operating instructions require separate confirmation. Objects outside the outlined shell have not been placed. Numbers refer to the object list. This is a planning diagram, not a construction drawing.Reserved entry cross-aisle: 136 × 24 in at 0, 0 inReserved side aisle: 24 × 130 in at 0, 0 inBench standing area: 60 × 30 in at 38, 130 inWorkbench: 60 × 24 in at 38, 160 inMobile tool parked footprint: 30 × 30 in at 24, 24 inTool chest: 30 × 24 in at 54, 24 in123456Usable interior · 136 × 184 inFront opening · 72 in clear width136 in wide184 in deepOrange: reserved route · dashed red: outside shell

Dark: equipment or storage. Pale areas: activities or zones. Dimensions in inches; scale changes with the view.

  1. 1. Reserved entry cross-aisle: 136 × 24 in
  2. 2. Reserved side aisle: 24 × 130 in
  3. 3. Bench standing area: 60 × 30 in
  4. 4. Workbench: 60 × 24 in
  5. 5. Mobile tool parked footprint: 30 × 30 in
  6. 6. Tool chest: 30 × 24 in

Inspect the layout

100%

Dimensions in inches. Zoom changes the view, not your measurements. Select an object to identify its footprint, then swipe or scroll within the drawing. With a keyboard, focus the drawing and use arrow keys.

Input-based planning only. Turning, ramps, thresholds, wall mounting and structural capacity are not approved by this diagram. Escape or Close returns to the page.

The shown arrangement preserves its reserved spaces and entry aisle.

  • A failed arrangement is not proof that every layout in this size fails. Only the displayed axis-aligned arrangements were tested.
  • Equipment footprints and reserved spaces are editable planning assumptions. These rectangles do not establish manufacturer operating clearances.

Moving from the first example to the second changes usable width by 24 in, depth by -48 in and clear door width by 8 in. These differences belong to these examples. Obtain actual product measurements before choosing.

A changed result applies to the shown arrangement only. A different layout may work; a larger candidate can still fail a doorway, site or budget check.

Two large items: inspect the full worked case

Worked example · not a measured product or customer story

Same inventory, less overlap in the larger interior

Two authored 60 × 100 × 20 in rectangular storage footprints collide in the smaller example interior. Compare the exact same pair in the larger interior. Seasonal access intentionally leaves independent retrieval unassessed: no collision is not a complete usability approval.

10×12 example

This layout needs a change

Storage layout from the current inputsNumbers identify objects in the list below. Dashed shaded regions are selected retrieval paths, not structural or turning checks.FLOOR PLAN / ARRANGEMENT 1112 in usable width136 in usable lengthLarge storage footprint 1 · 60 in × 100 in1Large storage footprint 2 · 60 in × 100 in2FRONT · 64 in clear opening12 in scale · flat rectangular footprints
  1. 1. Large storage footprint 1
  2. 2. Large storage footprint 2

Numbers identify the objects in this legend. Dashed regions show the paths actually checked. Turning, ramps, thresholds and structural capacity are not assessed.

Inspect the layout

100%

Zoom in, then swipe or scroll within the drawing. With a keyboard, focus the drawing and use arrow keys. Zoom changes the view, not your measurements.

  1. 1. Large storage footprint 1
  2. 2. Large storage footprint 2

Input-based planning only. Turning, ramps, thresholds, wall mounting and structural capacity are not approved by this diagram. Escape or Close returns to the page.

Usable interior: 112 × 136 × 84 in. Clear opening: 64 × 78 in; centered by assumption.

  • Needs a change: Objects overlap. Large storage footprint 1 overlaps Large storage footprint 2.
  • Not assessed: Large storage footprint 1: straight retrieval. Independent retrieval is not required by your seasonal setting; moving other items may be necessary.
  • Not assessed: Large storage footprint 2: straight retrieval. Independent retrieval is not required by your seasonal setting; moving other items may be necessary.
All evaluated checks (12)
  • Pass with these inputs: Large storage footprint: clear door width. 60 in width + 2 in each side; 64 in clear opening.
  • Pass with these inputs: Large storage footprint: clear door height. 20 in item height; 78 in clear opening. No tilt is modeled.
  • Pass with these inputs: Large storage footprint: interior height. 20 in overall height; 84 in stated usable height. This does not test lifting or overhead working space.
  • Pass with these inputs: Large storage footprint: clear door width. 60 in width + 2 in each side; 64 in clear opening.
  • Pass with these inputs: Large storage footprint: clear door height. 20 in item height; 78 in clear opening. No tilt is modeled.
  • Pass with these inputs: Large storage footprint: interior height. 20 in overall height; 84 in stated usable height. This does not test lifting or overhead working space.
  • Pass with these inputs: Large storage footprint 1: floor boundary. The complete footprint is within the stated interior.
  • Needs a change: Objects overlap. Large storage footprint 1 overlaps Large storage footprint 2.
  • Pass with these inputs: Large storage footprint 2: floor boundary. The complete footprint is within the stated interior.
  • Pass with these inputs: Clear opening position. The opening is within the stated front wall.
  • Not assessed: Large storage footprint 1: straight retrieval. Independent retrieval is not required by your seasonal setting; moving other items may be necessary.
  • Not assessed: Large storage footprint 2: straight retrieval. Independent retrieval is not required by your seasonal setting; moving other items may be necessary.

No distinct fully checked rearrangement was found in the limited search. This does not prove all arrangements impossible.

12×16 example

Details still need checking

Storage layout from the current inputsNumbers identify objects in the list below. Dashed shaded regions are selected retrieval paths, not structural or turning checks.FLOOR PLAN / ARRANGEMENT 2136 in usable width184 in usable lengthLarge storage footprint 1 · 60 in × 100 in1Large storage footprint 2 · 60 in × 100 in2FRONT · 72 in clear opening12 in scale · flat rectangular footprints
  1. 1. Large storage footprint 1
  2. 2. Large storage footprint 2

Numbers identify the objects in this legend. Dashed regions show the paths actually checked. Turning, ramps, thresholds and structural capacity are not assessed.

Inspect the layout

100%

Zoom in, then swipe or scroll within the drawing. With a keyboard, focus the drawing and use arrow keys. Zoom changes the view, not your measurements.

  1. 1. Large storage footprint 1
  2. 2. Large storage footprint 2

Input-based planning only. Turning, ramps, thresholds, wall mounting and structural capacity are not approved by this diagram. Escape or Close returns to the page.

Usable interior: 136 × 184 × 84 in. Clear opening: 72 × 78 in; centered by assumption.

  • Not assessed: Large storage footprint 1: straight retrieval. Independent retrieval is not required by your seasonal setting; moving other items may be necessary.
  • Not assessed: Large storage footprint 2: straight retrieval. Independent retrieval is not required by your seasonal setting; moving other items may be necessary.
All evaluated checks (11)
  • Pass with these inputs: Large storage footprint: clear door width. 60 in width + 2 in each side; 72 in clear opening.
  • Pass with these inputs: Large storage footprint: clear door height. 20 in item height; 78 in clear opening. No tilt is modeled.
  • Pass with these inputs: Large storage footprint: interior height. 20 in overall height; 84 in stated usable height. This does not test lifting or overhead working space.
  • Pass with these inputs: Large storage footprint: clear door width. 60 in width + 2 in each side; 72 in clear opening.
  • Pass with these inputs: Large storage footprint: clear door height. 20 in item height; 78 in clear opening. No tilt is modeled.
  • Pass with these inputs: Large storage footprint: interior height. 20 in overall height; 84 in stated usable height. This does not test lifting or overhead working space.
  • Pass with these inputs: Large storage footprint 1: floor boundary. The complete footprint is within the stated interior.
  • Pass with these inputs: Large storage footprint 2: floor boundary. The complete footprint is within the stated interior.
  • Pass with these inputs: Clear opening position. The opening is within the stated front wall.
  • Not assessed: Large storage footprint 1: straight retrieval. Independent retrieval is not required by your seasonal setting; moving other items may be necessary.
  • Not assessed: Large storage footprint 2: straight retrieval. Independent retrieval is not required by your seasonal setting; moving other items may be necessary.

No distinct fully checked rearrangement was found in the limited search. This does not prove all arrangements impossible.

What changes with the same items?

  • Large storage footprint 1 / Large storage footprint 2: collision: 10×12 — Needs a change; 12×16 — Pass with these inputs. Large storage footprint 1 and Large storage footprint 2 overlap in this layout. Large storage footprint 1 and Large storage footprint 2 do not overlap in this layout.
Inspect every input and its source

All dimensions and positions are authored planning assumptions. Door side allowance: 2 in; walking aisle: 24 in. No manufacturer specification or user measurement is implied.

  • 2 × Large storage footprint: 60 × 100 × 20 in; seasonal access; floor; carry; 0° parked orientation.

Case: two-large-items · authored-cases-2026-09-03. Diagram and checks: storage-fit-1. Positions chosen by the limited automatic search.

Continue my saved project

Reading this example does not change your project. Copying asks before replacing it. Planning only: not a structural, installation, delivery or permit approval.

Measure the yard separately

Record usable yard width and depth, the setback you have actually confirmed, obstructions and route pinch points. Leave unknown requirements unknown. Equipment access is not proof that an assembled shed, delivery vehicle or installation method can reach the site.

Once you have two plausible candidates, ask for quotes covering the same scope. Foundation, site work, transport, installation and utilities can change the decision; no universal cost-per-square-foot estimate is provided here.

Choose the next question

What size works for a riding mower?How do I measure the clear door opening?Inspect a 10×12 mower-and-shelf layoutSee what a 12×16 interior changes

Change this project?