Free tool
Desk Height Calculator: Desk, Chair and Monitor Heights
Find the right desk, chair, keyboard and monitor heights for your height. Works in inches or centimeters, sitting or standing.
This free tool gives you chair seat, desk, keyboard and monitor top heights for sitting, from your height alone, in inches or centimeters. Use the numbers as a starting point, then adjust until your feet are flat, your elbows sit at about 90 degrees and the top of the screen is at eye level.
What it does
Gives you chair seat, desk, keyboard and monitor top heights for sitting, from your height alone.
Who it helps
Anyone with back, shoulder or neck pain at a fixed-height desk, or setting up a new one.
How to use it
- Set your height.
- Keep Sitting selected.
- Adjust the chair first, then the desk, then the monitor.
- Add a footrest if your feet do not rest flat.
Your height
How do you work?
Units
Estimates based on common ergonomic body ratios, measured from the floor. Adjust for shoes and comfort.
Your sitting setup
Screen distance: 20 to 40 inches (50 to 100 cm) from your eyes, top of the screen at or slightly below eye level (OSHA).
Email me my printable setup cardWhat your result means
- Chair seat height: thighs level, feet flat. If the chair must go higher so your arms reach the desk, use a footrest. Read the guide
- Desk height: forearms level with the desk and shoulders relaxed. Most fixed desks are 29 to 30 inches, which is too high for many people. Read the guide
- Monitor top: at or slightly below eye level, 20 to 40 inches from your eyes. Read the guide
- These are estimates from common body ratios, not a medical measurement.
How it works
Sitting desk height is about 39% of your height, chair seat height about 25% and the top of the monitor about 68% (seated eye level). These common ergonomic ratios give a starting point; the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Computer Workstations eTool describes the posture to aim for: feet flat, thighs level, forearms level with the desk, and the top of the screen at or slightly below eye level 20 to 40 inches away. Results round to the nearest half inch or whole centimeter.
Sources
- OSHA, Computer Workstations eTool: Workstation Components
- Common anthropometric ratios used by ergonomics guides (labeled estimate)
FAQ
What is a standard desk height?
Many fixed desks are 29 to 30 inches tall, which is too high for many people. Raise your chair and add a footrest if your desk does not adjust.
How high should my chair be?
High enough that your thighs are roughly level and your feet rest flat.
Where should my monitor be?
Top of the screen at or slightly below eye level, 20 to 40 inches away.