A good workstation lets you type with relaxed shoulders, elbows at about 90–110°, wrists straight and feet flat on the floor. The top of the monitor should be at or slightly below eye level, about an arm’s length away. Height-based ranges are a good start; fine-tune for your body proportions.
How to use the Desk Height Calculator
- Your height (in shoes)
- Working position
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Enter your height (wearing your usual shoes) and choose sitting or standing.
Tips
- Track a typical week before planning – real figures beat estimates.
- Break big tasks into smaller pieces and plan buffer time for interruptions.
- Re-run the numbers when your inputs change so plans stay realistic.
- Use results as a guide for decisions, not as a precise prediction.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Counting calendar days when the deadline is in working days (or the reverse).
- Forgetting breaks, setup and handover time.
- Assuming every day is as productive as your best day.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Your height (in shoes) | Units: in, cm, ft |
| Working position | Choose one: Sitting, Standing |
What each result means
- Chair seat height (sitting) = 0.2463×[Your height (in shoes)]
- Chair seat height – to = 0.2687×[Your height (in shoes)]
Example values
How the main result changes when Your height changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Your height (in shoes) (in) | Desk height – from (in) |
|---|---|
| 33.5 | 9.2 |
| 50.25 | 17.1 |
| 67 | 25.1 |
| 83.75 | 33 |
| 100.5 | 40.9 |
| 134 | 56.8 |
Formula
Sitting desk: 0.4739 × H − 6.678 to 0.5538 × H − 9.427 (inches)Chair seat ≈ 0.246–0.269 × H; monitor top ≈ 0.694–0.716 × HStanding desk ≈ 0.612–0.642 × H (elbow height)Worked example
Inputs — Your height (in shoes): 67 in; Working position: Sitting.
Results — Desk height – from = 25.1 in; Desk height – to = 27.7 in; Chair seat height (sitting) = 16.5 in; Chair seat height – to = 18 in; Monitor top height = 47.2 in.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard desk height?
About 29–30 in (74–76 cm), which suits people around 5'10"–6'0"; shorter people often need a lower desk or a footrest.
How high should my monitor be?
The top of the screen at or slightly below eye level, 50–70 cm away.
What if my desk is too high?
Raise the chair and use a footrest so your feet stay supported.
What formula does the Desk Height Calculator use?
Sitting desk: 0.4739 × H − 6.678 to 0.5538 × H − 9.427 (inches).