Desk height calculator
We created this desk height calculator to help you choose the best desk, chair, and monitor setup for your height. It checks important comfort details like elbow height, eye level, monitor distance, and posture. Our calculator follows the BIFMA G1 ergonomics guideline, which is a common standard for designing office workstations.
Whether you're a remote worker setting up a home office or creating a workspace for your child or teen, you’ll find useful tips for any height. Just enter your height, and we’ll do the rest.
Why ergonomic desk height matters
How many hours do you spend at your desk: 7, 8, or… even more? Now imagine spending all that time with your shoulders rounded and your wrists bent at an awkward angle. That is what a poorly adjusted workstation does to your body.
The elbow rule
It’s the key to any ergonomic setup. When you sit at your desk, your elbows should be about 90–110 degrees, and your forearms parallel to the desk. This keeps your wrists straight when using a mouse or keyboard and prevents strain from building up. It also keeps everything within comfortable reach zones throughout the day.
Since elbow height can be a bit different even for people who are the same height, use your elbow position as the last check after setting up your desk.
Monitor height
If your screen is too low, you end up leaning your head forward. If it is too high, your neck tilts back. Both positions can cause your body to adjust in ways that lead to tension, fatigue, and discomfort over time.
Your ideal setup depends on you
Having your desk at the right height keeps your body aligned. Your chair should support your posture, your arms should rest comfortably, and your eyes should naturally meet the top third of the screen.
Don’t forget to take regular breaks. No matter how good your setup is, it’s important to stand up and stretch every 30–60 minutes. Remember that even if 2 people are the same height, they might need slightly different setups. Use the calculator's result as a starting point and adjust until your elbows and shoulders feel comfortable.
How to use the height calculator
You'll know your recommended range in less than a minute. Follow along with the visual below.
Step 1
Enter your height. Type the number in centimetres.
Step 2
Choose your position. How do you usually work? By standing or sitting?
Step 3
Review your results. The calculator shows a range with your desk height, chair height, and monitor position.
Use these numbers as a starting point. Small changes based on how your body feels are normal and expected.
Step 4
Set up your workspace. If you have a sit-stand desk, set it to the recommended height. If not, take a look at the benefits of standing desks and see how they can improve your daily routine. And if you're ready to upgrade, check out our Desktronic desks below.
Tip. If you normally wear shoes at your desk, increase the standing height by about 1–2 centimetres.
Signs of a wrong desk height
If something’s off in your body, it always tells you. Here’s what to watch before pain starts.
Neck and shoulder tension
It can occur when you look down at your screen or reach up for your keyboard. Try adjusting the height of your desk or monitor.
Wrist pain or tingling
This may mean your wrists are bending up or down while you type, instead of staying flat and straight.
Lower back discomfort
It can happen if your feet aren’t flat on the floor or your thighs aren’t parallel to the ground. Adjust your chair height to help.
Eye fatigue and headaches
These can be caused by your screen being too close, too far, or at the wrong height. Try to keep the top of your monitor at eye level and about an arm’s length away.
cm
Seated
Traditional setup
Standing
Active worker
Enter your height above to see your recommendations
