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Desk Height Calculator

Desk Height Calculator

Find your ergonomically ideal desk, chair, and monitor heights based on your body measurements. Proper desk height prevents back pain, neck strain, and repetitive stress injuries.

Desk Height Chair Monitor Top You

Your Ideal Ergonomic Heights

Desk Height
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Chair Seat Height
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Monitor Top Height
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Keyboard Tray Height
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Measurements are ergonomic guidelines. Adjust ±2 cm for personal comfort.

90° Rule

Keep your elbows at a 90° angle when typing. Your forearms should be parallel to the desk surface to prevent wrist strain and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Monitor Distance

Position your monitor at arm’s length away, roughly 50–70 cm from your eyes. The top of the screen should be at or slightly below eye level.

Feet Flat

Your feet should rest flat on the floor with thighs parallel to the ground. If your chair is too high, use a footrest to maintain proper leg posture.

Take Breaks

Stand up and move every 30–60 minutes. Alternating between sitting and standing reduces fatigue and improves circulation throughout the day.

Ergonomic workspace setup with adjustable desk and monitor arm

Why Desk Height Matters

The height of your desk is one of the most important ergonomic factors in your workspace. A desk that is even a few centimetres too high or too low forces your body into unnatural positions for hours every day, leading to chronic pain and reduced productivity.

  • A desk too high causes shoulder elevation and neck tension, leading to headaches and upper back pain
  • A desk too low forces you to hunch forward, compressing your spine and straining your lower back
  • Incorrect desk height contributes to carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive strain injuries in the wrists
  • Proper desk height improves typing speed and accuracy by allowing natural hand positioning
  • Ergonomically matched furniture reduces fatigue, helping you stay focused for longer periods
  • Workers with properly adjusted desks report 25% fewer musculoskeletal complaints according to occupational health studies

Sitting vs Standing Desks

Both sitting and standing desks have their place in an ergonomic setup. The ideal solution for most people is a sit-stand desk that allows you to alternate between positions throughout the day.

Sitting desks are the traditional choice and work well when paired with a quality ergonomic chair. The key is setting the correct height so your elbows rest at 90 degrees and your feet are flat on the floor. Sitting desks are generally less expensive and provide a stable surface for precision work like drawing or writing.

Standing desks have surged in popularity as research highlights the health risks of prolonged sitting. Standing burns more calories, improves posture awareness, and can boost energy levels. However, standing all day brings its own problems, including leg fatigue and increased pressure on joints. The standing desk height should allow your elbows to remain at 90 degrees while your wrists stay neutral.

Sit-stand desks offer the best of both worlds. Experts recommend spending 30–60 minutes standing for every 60–90 minutes of sitting. Electric sit-stand desks with memory presets make switching seamless, so you can save your exact sitting and standing heights and transition with the press of a button.

Whichever type you choose, the calculator above will give you the correct heights for your body. If you are shopping for a new desk, check out our Best Standing Desks guide for our top recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard desk height?
The standard desk height is 73–76 cm (28.5–30 inches). However, this one-size-fits-all measurement only suits people around 175–180 cm (5’9”–5’11”) tall. If you are shorter or taller than average, you need an adjustable desk or should use our calculator above to find your ideal height.
How do I measure my ideal desk height?
Stand up straight without shoes and measure your height in centimetres or inches. Enter that number into the calculator above, and it will use ergonomic ratios to determine your ideal desk surface height, chair height, monitor position, and keyboard tray height. The key principle is that your elbows should be at 90 degrees when your hands rest on the desk surface.
What if my desk is not adjustable?
If your desk is too high, raise your chair and use a footrest to support your feet. If your desk is too low, place desk risers or sturdy blocks under the legs to increase the height. A keyboard tray that clamps under the desk can also help you achieve the correct typing height independently of the desk surface. For monitor height, use a monitor arm or a stack of books to bring the screen to eye level.
How high should a standing desk be?
A standing desk should be set at elbow height. Stand with your arms relaxed at your sides, then bend your elbows to 90 degrees. The desk surface should meet your forearms at that point. For most people, this is roughly 60–62% of their total height. Our calculator provides a precise recommendation based on your specific measurements.
Should I use a keyboard tray?
A keyboard tray is recommended if your desk surface is slightly too high for comfortable typing. The tray should sit about 2–3 cm below the desk surface, allowing your wrists to remain in a neutral, straight position. Keyboard trays are especially useful with non-adjustable desks, as they let you fine-tune your typing height without changing the desk itself.
How often should I switch between sitting and standing?
Ergonomic experts recommend alternating every 30–60 minutes. A good starting ratio is 45 minutes sitting followed by 15 minutes standing, then gradually increase standing time as your body adapts. The goal is movement variety, so avoid staying in any single position for more than an hour. Setting a timer or using desk software with reminders can help you build the habit.