Desk Height Calculator
Enter your height to get recommended chair, desk, and monitor heights that support neutral posture and reduce strain.
Recommendations are based on ergonomic guidelines (BIFMA, OSHA) using average anthropometric ratios.
Include thick wrist rests or keyboard platforms to keep wrists neutral.
Recommended Heights
Chair seat height
17.5 in (44.5 cm)
Knees bent at 90° with feet flat on floor or footrest.
Seated desk height
28 in (71.1 cm)
Keeps elbows at 90° with relaxed shoulders while typing.
Standing keyboard height
41.1 in (104.4 cm)
Forearms parallel to the floor for sit-stand desks.
Monitor eye level height
65.1 in (165.4 cm)
Top third of the display should sit at eye level.
How to Use This Calculator
Measure your height with shoes off
Stand tall against a wall and use a tape measure to capture total body height.
Include keyboard or mat thickness
If you use a tall mechanical keyboard or wrist support, include that height so elbows stay neutral.
Fine-tune with posture cues
Adjust seat so hips are slightly above knees, feet are flat, and shoulders remain relaxed while typing.
Formula
Seat Height ≈ 0.25 × Body Height
Desk Height (Seated) ≈ Seat Height + 10 in
Standing Keyboard Height ≈ 0.58 × Body Height
Monitor Eye Level ≈ 0.93 × Body Height
Example: 5′10″ (70 in) person → Seat ≈ 17.5 in, Desk ≈ 27.5 in, Standing keyboard ≈ 40.6 in, Eye level ≈ 65.1 in.
Ergonomic Tips
Small adjustments reduce neck pain, improve circulation, and boost productivity. Use these guidelines as a starting point, then listen to your body.
- Keep wrists straight and hover hands just above the keyboard.
- Align monitor about an arm’s length away to reduce eye strain.
- Use a footrest if seat height lifts your heels off the ground.
- Alternate between sitting and standing every 30–60 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate are these ratios?
They reflect averages from ergonomic standards. Adjust by ±1–2 inches (2–5 cm) to match arm length, torso proportions, and comfort.
What if multiple people share the desk?
Choose adjustable furniture. Note each person’s settings in inches or centimeters to reset quickly.
Do standing desks need anti-fatigue mats?
Mats encourage micro-movements and reduce leg fatigue—add 0.5–1 in (1–2 cm) to standing height if you use one.
How high should the monitor be?
Place the top third of the display at eye level so you look slightly downward (10–15°) to the center of the screen.