Office Desk Height Guide: What’s the Ideal Measurement?

office desk height guide | Ergoworks

Choosing the right office desk height is essential for comfort, productivity, and good posture. Many people suffer from neck pain, shoulder tension, or back aches simply because their desk is too high or too low. This guide will help you understand the ideal office desk height for your needs and give practical tips for setting up your workstation correctly.

Why Office Desk Height is So Important

The height of your desk affects how your arms, shoulders, back, and neck are positioned while you work. An incorrect desk height can cause:

  • Muscle fatigue and joint strain

  • Poor typing posture

  • Long-term posture problems

  • Reduced productivity due to discomfort

Whether you’re working from home or in a traditional office, using a properly adjusted desk makes a big difference to your well-being.

What is the Standard Office Desk Height?

Most fixed office desks are about 28 to 30 inches (71 to 76 cm) high. This height works well for someone around 5'8" (173 cm) tall. However, people come in all shapes and sizes, so a “one-size-fits-all” approach is not always ideal.

If your desk doesn’t match your body height, you may end up hunching your shoulders or stretching your arms too much, which leads to discomfort over time.

How to Find the Right Desk Height for You

To determine the correct desk height, sit down with your feet flat on the floor and arms comfortably by your side. Your elbows should form a 90° angle, and your wrists should be straight while typing.

Desk Height Guide by Body Height

Person’s Height

Ideal Desk Height

5'0" (152 cm)

24"–25" (61–63.5 cm)

5'4" (163 cm)

26"–27" (66–68.5 cm)

5'8" (173 cm)

28"–29" (71–73.5 cm)

6'0" (183 cm)

30"–31" (76–78.5 cm)

You can adjust your chair height slightly if your desk is fixed, but your arms and eyes should still stay aligned properly.

Standing Desk Height Guide

If you're using a standing desk, the same basic rule applies: your elbows should be at a 90° angle, and the monitor should be at eye level. The ideal height will change depending on your height.

As a rough guide:

  • A person 5’4” tall should have the desk at about 38” (96.5 cm)

  • Someone 6’0” tall should aim for 44” (112 cm)

Standing desks are great for reducing sedentary time, but they must still be ergonomically set up.

Benefits of Adjustable Desks

Adjustable desks, also known as sit-stand desks, are becoming more popular. These desks let you move between sitting and standing throughout the day.

Key benefits:

  • Better circulation and reduced fatigue

  • Customisable for your height and preferences

  • Useful in shared spaces where users may vary in size

  • Helps reduce the risks of prolonged sitting

Look for desks that adjust easily, are stable at all heights, and offer a wide range of height options.

Other Ergonomic Tips to Remember

Choosing the right desk height is only one part of the picture. Make sure the rest of your setup supports a healthy posture.

  • Monitor height: The top of the screen should be at or just below eye level

  • Chair height: Feet should be flat on the floor, and thighs parallel to the ground

  • Keyboard and mouse: Should be placed so you don’t need to stretch your arms

  • Footrests: Can help if the desk height is not ideal and cannot be changed

Desks for Children or Shorter Adults

Most standard desks are too tall for children or petite users. In these cases, it’s important to find desks designed for smaller frames. If a proper desk is not available, using adjustable chairs, footrests, or table risers can help achieve the right posture.

Children, especially, need properly sized desks to prevent bad habits or posture issues while studying.

How to Adjust an Existing Desk

If you already own a fixed-height desk, don’t worry. There are several ways to improve your setup:

  • Add a keyboard tray under the desk to lower typing height

  • Use a monitor riser to lift your screen to eye level

  • Try a desk converter to turn a standard desk into a standing one

  • Raise your chair and add a footrest if your desk is too high

Find Your Perfect Office Desk Height with Ergoworks

At Ergoworks, we understand how important the right office desk height is for your comfort, health, and productivity. That’s why we offer a wide range of ergonomic desks — including adjustable and sit-stand options — designed to support proper posture for all users.

Whether you’re upgrading your home office or outfitting a full workspace, our expert team can help you choose the perfect solution. With Ergoworks, you’re not just getting a desk — you’re investing in your long-term well-being.

Explore our ergonomic office desk collection today and create a workspace that works for you.

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