Is your standing desk too low? Too high?
Do you know?
How would you know, anyway?
The best thing about height adjustable desks is that you can set them to the ideal desk height for you.
But what should that be?
A standing desk should be approximately 41-42 inches (104 cm) tall for a person who is average height (5 ft 8 inches or 173 cm). This positions the desktop surface at a height where the arms can bend at a natural 90-degree angle for maximum ergonomic comfort.
Want to know how did we arrived at that number and what factors to take into consideration when figuring out what’s best for you?
Check out our table below if you want to find the perfect standing desk height to increase your productivity and focus, read on!
Real quick, before we get too far into it here, if you want to remote workers and learn more about the work from home telecommuting life, join my free private Facebook group, Home Office Hacks here.
Factors to consider when determining the proper height for a standing desk
What factors into getting the height of your standing desk right?
There are a variety of factors to ensure that the desk is comfortable and promotes good posture and ergonomics, so let’s take a look.
Your height and body proportions
The first factor to consider when determining the proper height for a standing desk is your height and body proportions. The desk should be at a height where your elbows are bent at a 90-degree angle to 110-degree angle when your hands are resting in a neutral position on the desk. This is the most important factor and why adjustable standing desks are so important. If you are taller or shorter than average, you may need to adjust the desk height accordingly to ensure that it’s comfortable for you to use.
The type of work you do (e.g. typing, writing, standing for long periods)
The type of work you do can also impact the proper height for a standing desk.
Consider the following examples:
Being a writer, an illustrator, a programmer, or a graphic designer can involve long periods of time spent sitting or standing at a desk. But the work for each person is slightly different, so you need to make sure that your desk height is set for maximum ergonomic comfort, to avoid wrist pain, and the best and most appropriate access to your desk surface, all while remaining comfortable while doing your job.
For writers and programmers, you need to focus so you need to have a desk that allows for comfortable typing and writing. If your desk is set too high can lead to neck and shoulder strain, while a desk that is too low can cause problems with wrist and hand positioning.
Illustrators may also benefit from a standing desk, as it can help to prevent back pain and promote better circulation. Desks that provide tilt adjustments can be beneficial for illustrators and designers because they make it easier to work on your desk surface in an ergonomic position and they can adjust the height of their desk to accommodate different tasks.
The type of shoes you wear (e.g. heels vs. flats)
The type of shoes you wear can also affect the proper height for a standing desk.
If you work at home then you may not be wearing shoes at all – I know that I don’t a lot of times. But this can be a bad idea. You still need support for your feet while you’re working at home at a standing desk. My personal go-to house shoe is a pair of trusty Crocs. (Don’t shame me – I’m not trying to win a fashion show and no one can see what I’m wearing on all those virtual conference calls!)(
When I go barefoot, which is often, I can’t be without my anti-fatigue mat which does wonders for my comfort.
If you wear shoes with heels, you may need to adjust the desk height slightly higher to compensate for the added height. On the other hand, if you wear flats or shoes with a low heel, you may need to adjust the desk height slightly lower.
If you want to learn more about what the best shoes are for wearing while working at your standing desk, click here.
The height and angle of your monitor
The height of your monitor can also impact the proper height for a standing desk. The top of the monitor should be at or slightly below eye level to reduce strain on your neck and shoulders. If your monitor is too low, you may need to raise the desk height or use a monitor stand to bring the monitor to an optimal height.
Finding the proper standing desk height
If the standard height for a desk is 29.5 inches, what’s the ideal height for a standing desk?
The first step in determining the correct height for your standing desk is to measure your elbow height. To determine the proper height for a standing desk, start by standing with your feet flat on the ground and your arms at your sides. This position allows you to find the height that is most comfortable and promotes good posture and ergonomics.
To get the perfect height for your standing desk should be at a height where your elbows are bent at a 90-110 degree angle when your hands are resting on the desk. This position allows your shoulders to be relaxed and your arms to be at a comfortable angle, reducing strain on your wrists and arms. If the desk is too low, it can cause strain on your shoulders and neck, and if it’s too high, it can cause strain on your wrists and arms.
Next, you’ll need to consider how much space you need between the desktop surface and your elbows. Generally speaking, it’s recommended that you have about 4-6 inches of space between the desktop surface and your elbows when standing. This allows you to type comfortably without having to hunch over or strain yourself while working.
In addition to the desk height, it’s important to consider the height of your keyboard and mouse. The keyboard should be at a height where your wrists are level with your elbows when you’re typing, and the mouse should be at a height where your shoulders are relaxed and your arm is straight when you’re using it.
Also, if you’re using a monitor riser, which is like a small shelf on your desk, that means you may need to change the angle of your monitors or lower your adjustable standing desk to accommodate for the height difference. It’s a good idea to test out different heights and find the one that is most comfortable for you.
Also don’t forget that it’s important to take breaks and sit down periodically (using an ergonomic chair and proper desk mat of course) when using a standing desk because standing too long can cause a lot of unnecessary discomfort.
Use the desk height chart below to find the correct desk height for your adjustable desk:
| Height (in inches) | Height (in cm) | Ideal Standing Desk Height (in inches) | Ideal Seated Desk Height (in inches) | Ideal Standing Desk Height (in cm) | Ideal Seated Desk Height (in cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | 152 | 36 | 24 | 91 | 61 |
| 61 | 155 | 37 | 25 | 94 | 64 |
| 62 | 157 | 37 | 25 | 94 | 64 |
| 63 | 160 | 38 | 26 | 97 | 66 |
| 64 | 162 | 38 | 26 | 97 | 66 |
| 65 | 165 | 39 | 27 | 99 | 69 |
| 66 | 168 | 39 | 27 | 99 | 69 |
| 67 | 170 | 40 | 28 | 102 | 71 |
| 68 | 173 | 40 | 28 | 104 | 71 |
| 69 | 175 | 41 | 29 | 104 | 74 |
| 70 | 178 | 41 | 29 | 104 | 74 |
| 71 | 180 | 42 | 30 | 107 | 76 |
| 72 | 183 | 42 | 30 | 107 | 76 |
| 73 | 185 | 43 | 31 | 109 | 79 |
| 74 | 188 | 43 | 31 | 109 | 79 |
| 75 | 190 | 44 | 32 | 112 | 81 |
| 76 | 193 | 44 | 32 | 112 | 81 |
| 77 | 195 | 45 | 33 | 114 | 84 |
| 78 | 198 | 45 | 33 | 114 | 84 |
| 79 | 200 | 46 | 34 | 117 | 86 |
| 80 | 203 | 46 | 34 | 117 | 86 |
| 81 | 206 | 47 | 35 | 119 | 89 |
| 82 | 208 | 47 | 35 | 119 | 89 |
| 83 | 211 | 48 | 36 | 122 | 91 |
| 84 | 213 | 48 | 36 | 122 | 91 |
Final thoughts
Using a standing desk has numerous health benefits, including reducing neck pain and eye strain. It is important to consider the height of your standing desk in order to maximize these benefits. A height-adjustable standing desk is a great option because it allows you to adjust the height to your specific needs, ensuring that you are comfortable and able to maintain good posture while working. Overall, a standing desk can be a valuable addition to your workspace, helping you to stay healthy and productive.
Next Steps
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