The Short Answer
- Standard cars: allow around 3.5m of usable ceiling height to stack two vehicles safely.
- SUV on SUV stacking: allow 3.8-4.0m.
- Always include a 100-150mm clearance buffer above the top car.
Comparing Car Lift Post Height & Lift Height
This is where many people can get caught out.
Lift Giant’s four-post parking lift:
- Post height: 2226mm.
- Lift height when raised fully: 1900mm.
The post height does not determine the ceiling height required. What matters is how high the vehicle is lifted and the height of the vehicle sitting on the platforms. When stacking cars, the upper vehicle rises well above the post tops, which is why total ceiling height must be calculated using lift rise and vehicle height – not the post dimension alone.
When planning a four-post parking lift installation, ceiling height is the single most important factor to get right. Whether you’re stacking two standard cars or larger SUVs, understanding usable height avoids installation issues and ensures safe day-to-day operation.
The Formula for 4-Post Car Lift Ceiling Height (Stacking Two Cars)
A reliable way to calculate the required height is:
- Lower vehicle height
- lift platform thickness
- upper vehicle height
- minimum required clearance buffer above the top car
This formula applies to residential garages and commercial spaces alike.
Minimum Required Clearance Buffer Above the Top Car
A 100-150mm clearance buffer is essential to allow for:
- Suspension movement during lifting
- Small variations in vehicle height
- Roof obstructions such as lights, beams, or door tracks
Reducing this buffer often leads to tight, impractical installations.
Typical Car Height Measurements
- Sports cars: 1200-1300mm
- Saloons / hatchbacks: 1400-1500mm
- Estate cars: 1500-1600mm
- SUVs / 4x4s: 1650-1800mm
Using a low-profile four-post parking lift, standard cars usually require around 3.5m of usable ceiling height.
Ceiling Height Needed to Stack an SUV on Top of Another SUV
SUV-on-SUV stacking increases the requirement significantly. With taller vehicles and a safety buffer included, a usable ceiling height of 3.8-4.0 metres is recommended to avoid clearance issues and restricted operation.
How the Standard 4-Post Parking Lift Compares to Other Lift Giant 4-Post Lifts
While the standard four-post parking lift suits most residential garages, Lift Giant offers several other four-post configurations designed for taller vehicles, multi-car storage, and maximising vertical space. The key differences are post height, lift rise, and the ceiling height required to stack a standard car.
| Lift Type | Height of Posts | Lift Height When Raised | Typical Ceiling Height Needed (Standard Car) | Best Use Case |
| Standard 4-Post Parking Lift (Manual Release) | 2226mm | 1900mm | 3.5m | Residential garages, standard car stacking |
| XLT 4-Post Lift (Extra Tall – Electric Release) | Taller than standard (extra-tall design) | 2160mm | 3.8–4.0m | Garages with more height, easier SUV stacking |
| Double Wide 4-Post Parking Lift | 2388mm | 2006mm | 3.6–3.7m | Side-by-side parking, wider garages |
| Triple Level 4-Post Parking Lift | 4368mm | 1800mm per platform | 4.8m+ | Stacking up to 3 vehicles vertically |
| Triple Level Double Wide Parking Lift | 4038mm | 3635mm | 5.0m+ | High-density commercial or storage facilities |
Final Advice Before You Measure Your Space
- Measure finished internal ceiling height, not external building height
- Account for beams, lighting, and door hardware
- Base calculations on your tallest vehicle
If you’re unsure whether your space is suitable, contact us at Lift Giant to confirm the correct setup before you request a quote, helping you choose the right lift first time.
