How Tall Is a 2-Story House?

Most two-story houses stand 16 to 25 feet tall. The average height falls between 20 to 22 feet. This range covers typical homes with standard ceiling heights and moderate roof slopes.

What makes up the total height?

Several parts add up to create the final house height:

Ceiling height per floor

• Standard ceilings: 8 to 9 feet
• Higher-end homes: 9 to 10 feet
• Luxury homes: 10+ feet

Floor structure

• Floor joists and subflooring: About 1 foot thick
• This sits between the first and second floors

Roof height

• Low-pitch roofs: 3 to 4 feet
• Standard roofs: 5 to 6 feet
• Steep roofs: 7+ feet

Examples of two-story homes

Basic two-story home

• First-floor ceiling: 8 feet
• Floor structure: 1 foot
• Second-floor ceiling: 8 feet
• Roof height: 5 feet
• Total: 22 feet

Higher-end home

• First-floor ceiling: 9 feet
• Floor structure: 1 foot
• Second-floor ceiling: 9 feet
• Roof height: 6 feet
• Total: 25 feet

Luxury home

• First-floor ceiling: 10 feet
• Floor structure: 1 foot
• Second-floor ceiling: 10 feet
• Roof height: 7 feet
• Total: 28 feet

What influences the height of a house?

Ceiling height

Taller ceilings directly contribute to the total height. Each extra foot of ceiling height per floor adds 2 feet to the house.

Roof design

• Hip roofs tend to be shorter
• Gable roofs with steep pitches add more height
• Complex roof lines can vary widely

Foundation type

• Slab foundations keep houses lower
• Raised foundations add 1 to 3 feet
• Full basements can add 8+ feet to the total structure

Architectural style

• Ranch-style homes stay low
• Colonial and Victorian styles often run taller
• Modern designs vary based on specific plans

Why house height matters

Building codes

Many areas limit residential building height. Common limits range from 28 to 35 feet.

Planning projects

Knowing your house height helps plan:

• Tree placement to avoid power lines
• Fence heights for privacy
• Future additions or modifications

Cost planning

Taller houses need:

• Longer ladders for maintenance
• More materials for siding and painting
• Higher insurance in some areas

Property value

House height affects curb appeal and can impact resale value in neighborhoods with height restrictions.

Quick reference guide

For fast planning, use these averages:

• Standard 2-story house: 20 to 22 feet
• With high ceilings: 24 to 26 feet
• With a steep roof: Add 2 to 4 feet
• Raised foundation: Add 1 to 3 feet

Most two-story homes fall within the 20 to 25-foot range. The specific height of your house depends on the ceiling height, roof pitch, and type of foundation. Check local building codes if you're planning changes that might affect the total height of your house.