Free tool
Standing Desk Height Calculator
Enter your height to get the right standing desk, keyboard and monitor heights in inches or centimeters. Switch to Sitting for your chair and desk.
This free tool turns your height into a standing desk height, a keyboard height and a monitor top height, in inches or centimeters. Enter one number, switch to sitting for chair and desk heights, and use the results as starting points that you fine-tune by feel over the first week.
What it does
Turns your height into a standing desk height, keyboard height and monitor top height, in inches or centimeters.
Who it helps
Anyone setting up or buying a standing desk, or switching between sitting and standing.
How to use it
- Set your height (shoes on if you wear them at the desk).
- Choose Standing or Sitting.
- Raise the desk to the desk height shown.
- Set the top of the screen to the monitor top height.
Your height
How do you work?
Units
Estimates based on common ergonomic body ratios, measured from the floor. Adjust for shoes and comfort.
Your standing 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
- Desk height: your elbows rest at about 90 degrees with relaxed shoulders. If the desk cannot go that high, add a keyboard riser. Read the guide
- Monitor top at eye level means you look slightly down at the center of the screen. Read the guide
- The numbers are a starting point from common body ratios. Adjust by half an inch at a time until it feels right.
- Standing all day is not the goal. Alternate sitting and standing through the day. Read the guide
How it works
The calculator uses common ergonomic body ratios: standing desk height is about 61% of your height and the top of the monitor about 94% (eye level). Sitting desk height is about 39% and chair seat height about 25%. Results round to the nearest half inch or whole centimeter. Monitor distance follows the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Computer Workstations eTool (20 to 40 inches). Everyone is different, so treat these as a starting point.
Sources
- OSHA, Computer Workstations eTool: Workstation Components
- Common anthropometric ratios used by ergonomics guides (labeled estimate)
FAQ
How high should a standing desk be?
At elbow height when you stand with relaxed shoulders. For a 5 ft 9 in person that is about 42 inches.
How long should I stand?
Alternate between sitting and standing through the day rather than standing for hours.
Do I need an anti-fatigue mat?
It helps if you stand on a hard floor for long stretches.