Standing Desk Height Calculator
Estimate a comfortable starting height for your standing desk, monitor, chair and screen viewing distance. Enter your body height and shoe heel height in centimetres or inches.
Result
—
Recommended starting points
- Standing desk surface
- —
- Monitor top edge (upper bound)
- —
- Seated chair height
- —
- Screen viewing distance
- —
These are population averages. Adjust for comfort and your equipment.
iPhone & Apple Watch · Free
Track it in Posture Reminder.
Posture Reminder nudges you to fix your posture during the day.
How the standing desk height calculator works
This standing desk height calculator uses standing elbow height as a practical starting point. With the desk near elbow level, your forearms can sit roughly parallel to the floor and your elbows stay near 90 degrees; comfort and your keyboard setup still determine the final adjustment.
The monitor top edge is an approximate standing eye-height upper bound, not a target to force. OSHA and Cornell guidance generally support keeping the screen at or just below eye level so you can work with a neutral neck, then adjusting for screen size, glasses and comfort.
These ratios are population averages, not a prescription. Use them as a starting point and adjust your desk, chair and screen until your posture feels comfortable.
effective height = body height + heel height; desk = 0.62 × effective height; monitor upper bound = 0.93 × effective height; chair = 0.26 × body height; viewing distance = 50–75 cm (20–30 in) Heel height is included for standing measurements only. Chair height uses body height because your heels are not under you supporting your weight while seated.
Standing desk height calculator FAQ
How high should a standing desk be for my height?
Start with about 62% of your effective standing height (body height plus heel height), then adjust so your forearms are roughly parallel to the floor and your elbows are near 90 degrees.
Should I include my shoes or heels?
Include the heel height for the standing desk and monitor estimates. Do not include it for the seated chair estimate, because your feet and heels are not supporting your standing height while seated.
How often should I alternate sitting and standing?
Alternate regularly rather than staying in one position for a long stretch. Change position when you feel stiff or uncomfortable, and adjust the pattern to your work and comfort.
What if my desk does not adjust low or high enough?
Use a stable riser or keyboard tray to change the work surface, and raise or lower the monitor separately. If the range still cannot support a relaxed, neutral posture, a different desk or accessory may be needed.
Are these measurements exact?
No. They are population-average starting points. Fine-tune them for your keyboard, monitor, chair, footwear, glasses and comfort.