Pole Barn Sizes and Dimensions Guide

Adding a pole barn to your property can add valuable indoor space with many possible uses. Whether you’re using your pole barn as a garage, workshop, horse barn, or living space, it’s important to have the right size for how you intend to use it. We break down some of the different uses for pole barns, standard sizes, and how to pick the right size for your purposes.

What Is the Standard Pole Barn Size?

Pole barns are available in a wide range of sizes, from 10-foot by 10-foot sheds to 80-foot by 200-foot horse barns and larger. Pole barn size is primarily dictated by how you intend to use the space and how much space you have available to build on. 

Pole Barn Size by Use

The first step in determining your ideal pole barn size is deciding what you’ll use it for. Uses for pole barns include garages, workshops, sheds, horse barns, and barndominiums. Here are some common pole barn uses and sizes:

Garage

Pole barn garages can range from a 12-by-22-foot one-car garage to a 40-by-30-foot three-car garage or larger. Square footage for pole barn garages can vary, as many homeowners add a second story for storage or even living space. 

Workshop

Pole barn workshops are very common and can be as small as 12 by 20 feet or as large as 80 by 120 feet or more. The size of the workshop you’ll need will depend on the type of work you’ll be using it for, the kind of equipment it’ll house, whether you’re including commercial space, and more. 

Horse Barn

Horse barns and riding arenas are very popular uses for pole barns. Horse barns that only include stalls and storage can be as small as 36 by 40 feet, while riding arenas can be very large, up to 80 by 200 feet or more. 

Shed

Pole barn construction can also be used for sheds, which tend to be much smaller than other kinds of pole barns. Standard shed sizes range from 10 by 10 feet to 14 by 16 feet. 

House/Barndominium

One more recent use for pole barns is as living space, often known as a barndominium. If you’re building a barndominium, you may choose from common sizes from 30 by 40 feet all the way to 80 by 100 feet. Because barndominiums often cost less than traditional house construction, many homeowners choose to build bigger spaces, which may include garages, workshops, or other mixed-use space. 

How to Measure the Right Size Pole Barn

When measuring for your pole barn, consider whether you’ll be housing large equipment, farm animals, or anything else that can affect the amount of space you’ll need. Also, remember to factor in clearance for outdoor equipment, an RV, or other items that you’ll be moving in and out of the space. 

Factors That Influence Pole Barn Size

How you’ll use your pole barn is the primary factor in determining how big it should be, but there are other considerations to consider when deciding on the right pole barn size. 

Available Land

How much space you have to build on will also affect your pole barn's size. While these barns are often used on farms and large plots of land, if your property is on the smaller side, it can limit the size of your pole barn. 

Building Codes

In some areas, zoning or building regulations may limit the size or use of outbuildings like pole barns. Always check local codes before beginning construction to ensure compliance.

Future Use

The cost of a pole barn is often more affordable than the cost to build a barn with other types of construction, so consider building larger than you currently need in order to have extra space for the future. Since pole barns can be used for a wide range of purposes, having additional space available can allow you room to grow without adding or building another barn.

What to Do if You Have the Wrong Size Pole Barn

If your pole barn is too small, a local barn builder can help you customize a larger space that meets all your needs and gives you options for your outbuilding use. Before hiring a contractor to build your barn, decide on how you’ll use the space, your budget, and what internal configuration will work best for you, so you can ensure you have the right size pole barn for your needs.