Standing Desk Height Calculator

The purpose of a standing desk is to break up prolonged periods of sitting that can also promote good health, well-being, and better working behaviours. However, you must set up the desk height to maximise the benefits. Whilst the leading standing desks in the market will have their own recommendations, we’ve built this desk height calculator to guide you on the recommended elevation based on your height.

All you have to do is choose between standing or sitting as your working position and then enter your height (or elbow height if you know it for better accuracy). You will thereafter receive tailored advice regarding the ideal chair, and desk, and monitor height ranges.

How To Use The Standing Desk Height Calculator

To calculate the ideal standing desk height using this calculator, follow these simple steps:

1. Choose the working position that you will be using the standing desk such as standing or sitting. Click on the drop-down menu and select the desired option.
2. Enter in your body height (in centimetres). This will estimate the elbow height to ensure the desk height values are ergonomically within tolerance to ensure your elbows are 90-100 degrees from the standing desk.
3. Click on the ‘Calculate’ button and the recommended desk height for standing or sitting will be provided.

Once the calculator provides the recommended desk heights, the next step would be to stand desk heights so that they comply with the suggested values. You should be able to keep an appropriate and relaxing working posture as a result.

Please note that the suggested heights provided by this calculator are estimations and may change depending on the product. Therefore, always confirm with the manufacturer what height they recommend for the greatest ergonomic outcomes.

Tips On Using The Height Calculator

Using a desk height calculator can be a helpful tool in determining the right desk and chair height for ergonomic comfort. Here are some tips on how to effectively use a desk height calculator:

1. Get accurate body dimensions – Begin by taking exact measurements of your body. Your height, the length of your arms (from the elbow to the tips of your fingers), and the length of your legs (from the knee to the floor) must all be measured. For accurate measures, use a flexible measuring tape.
2. Adapt your chair and desk accordingly – Set the sit-stand desk and ergonomic chair to the appropriate heights. The majority of office chairs offer lumbar support, adjustable armrest height, and a seat height. Your desk can feature movable legs or a device that changes the height. To make the necessary modifications, adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Adjust and fine-tune – Although the calculator offers a decent beginning point, each person’s physique is different. Keep an eye on how comfortable you are and make little modifications as necessary. Play around with the settings to find the optimum and most comfortable posture for you.
4. Think about your monitor position – In addition to desk and chair height, think about where you want your computer monitor or screen to be. When you’re securely seated, the top of your display should be at or just below eye level. To get the right height, use a monitor stand but single or dual monitors arms offer the best flexibility and manoeuvrability.
5. Consider the height of your shoes and anti-fatigue mat – Be sure to consider the thickness of your anti-fatigue mat and shoes when entering your height. This will guarantee that the calculator’s recommendations are accurate and you won’t receive an underestimate.

Always keep in mind that ergonomics is about designing a functional workspace that meets the specific needs of your body. Make regular adjustments to your setup to make sure it still supports your demands and your overall well-being.

Why Calculating The Desk Height Is Important

There are several reasons to consider a standing desk to improve your posture, and overall health, reduce the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, back pain, and even increase energy and alertness. However, configuring the desk to maximise these benefits is equally important. Improper ergonomic desk height can have the opposite effect and cause issues with your posture.

We developed this desk height tool to help you program your standing desk to get the ideal ergonomic setup for your working space. We acknowledge that everyone has a different ideal desk height. Still, you should aim for a position that enables your elbows to comfortably form a 90-degree angle to achieve the optimal desktop height.

In order to promote ergonomic comfort and lessen strain, you should also adjust the monitor’s height such that your eye level corresponds with the top third of the screen. For convenience and ease of use, many electric standing desks have digital keypads with memory functions that let you save your preferred desk and monitor heights.

Tools To Help You Calculate The Ideal Desk Height

When determining the ideal elevation of a height-adjustable desk especially for ergonomic reasons, it is necessary to take your body measurements and level of comfort into account. Although there aren’t any particular tools created just for calculating desk height, you can use the following resources to help you do so:

• A tape measure – A basic measuring device for vital body measurements including height, arm length, and the distance between your knees and the floor is a conventional tape measure. Understanding your ergonomic needs requires an understanding of these parameters.
• A desk height calculator – These calculators normally ask you to enter your body measurements and offer ergonomically sound desk and chair height recommendations. They provide a practical approach to acquiring tailored advice.
• A full-length mirror – A full-length mirror will provide you with invaluable feedback regarding your posture in a sitting and standing position. To assist, you can also use it to satisfy key criteria such as having your elbows tucked in at 90 to 100 degrees. It goes without saying, but a mirror that can be moved around will be more useful.
• Ergonomic accessories – A keyboard tray, footrest, and anti-fatigue mat are a few ergonomic items that can improve the comfort and ergonomics of your height-adjustable desk. They give you more customising choices to get the best ergonomic arrangement. Computer screen arms, in particular, are extremely good at allowing you to control monitor height, angles, and even orientations.
• An angle gauge – Not an item that is in the typical Australian household, but angle gauges allow you to measure the slope of your forearms as you type. These tools can improve the ergonomics of your standing desk setup.

What Happens If You Don’t Estimate The Right Desk Height

The two major situations that may arise from not having an understanding of what the best desk height is potentially purchasing an unsuitable desk and the health downsides. Apart from the obvious buyers remorse getting the standing desk of course!

Depending on the manufacturing brands will have different minimum desk heights for their products. This is particularly important since this represents the lowest elevation point and could impede on the armrests of your chair. Similarly, each will also have a maximum desk height which is the elevation of the desktop at its highest point. In Australia, this could range anywhere between 115cm and 129cm. Based on your body measurements and ergonomic criteria, it’s worth knowing an estimation of a desk’s height before you buy one.

Besides buying a sit-stand desk that isn’t able to cater to your body dimensions, you could experience several negative effects from an ill-managed ergonomic setup. Numerous discomforts and health problems may arise if the correct desk height is not calculated and configured for your workspace. This involves discomfort in the body, soreness in the muscles, and exhaustion in numerous body areas, such as the neck, shoulders, back, arms, and wrists. Back pain and chronic musculoskeletal issues may result from poor posture.

Repetitive Strain Illnesses (RSIs), including carpal tunnel syndrome, eye strain, and poor productivity, can be exacerbated by incorrect workstation height. Additionally, it may lead to long-term health issues, an increase in weariness, and a decline in general well-being. For more information on the risks of using your standing desk too high, read this article.

Frequently Asked Questions