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How to Determine the Ideal Standing Desk Height – Step by Step

Ryan Tanaka|Oct 10, 2023

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How High Should a Standing Desk Be?
Steps to Determine the Right Standing Desk Height
Guide on Calculating Minimum and Maximum Standing Table Height
Adjusting Our Standing Desk Height
Common Mistakes When Determining a Standing Desk Height
FAQs

If you use a standing workstation, you've already taken a step toward better health. Extended periods of sitting have been related to health issues such as obesity and metabolic syndrome, a group of disorders characterized by high blood pressure, high blood sugar, extra body flab around the waist, and high cholesterol levels. But have you thought about the necessary ergonomic standing workstation, such as the ideal standing desk height and where to put your desktop?

What is the ideal standing desk height? Is there a way to choose the perfect option to maximize the benefits that these innovative pieces of furniture offer? How tall should a standing desk be?

As more and more people look for ways to take care of their health while working, standing desks have gained huge popularity. In addition, they can help us increase our productivity, create comfortable spaces, and reduce the risk of back and neck pain.

However, merely using a standing table isn't enough to improve our health and performance while preventing discomfort. We should create the right setup with the ideal desk to maximize ergonomics.

That means we should determine the proper height for a standing desk. This measurement can impact our comfort, posture, health, productivity levels, and well-being. If these tables are too low or too high, we may experience discomfort and put a strain on our bodies.

However, the correct standing desk height can help us take advantage of these pieces of furniture and change our professional and personal lives.

If you don't know how to determine the proper height for your standing desk, you've come to the right place. Here's all the information you need to pick the best option. Read on!

How High Should a Standing Desk Be?

The average height for a standing desk is between 38" and 46". This range allows the average person to keep their elbows at a 90-degree level angle when performing common office tasks, such as typing or using the mouse.

Additionally, these dimensions help relieve the strain on other body parts, such as our shoulders, neck, and back.

There's no typical or standard standing desk height suitable for everyone. Ideally, each person should consider multiple aspects to determine the ideal height according to their physical characteristics and needs.

If you're 5'0" tall, the ideal standing desk should be 36.5" high. However, it should be 44" high for a person who is 6'0" tall.

Also, the proper standing desk height for an individual who is 6'8" tall should be 49.5".

It's also important to consider other things. The distance between our eyes and the screen should be between 18" and 24".

We also have to adopt a healthy posture by maintaining:

Our shoulders relaxed
Adequate circulation in our legs
Our back straight
Our hip and knee joints in a healthy position
Our feet flat on the floor

Some people may need to adjust the desk height throughout the day as they shift between sitting and standing.

These changes must be based on our position. As long as we feel comfortable and consider the aspects mentioned above, we can prevent strain on our bodies and maximize the benefits of standing desks.

Steps to Determine the Right Standing Desk Height

Now that we know the benefits of determining the ideal standing table height, it's time to choose our desk setup. How can we do it?

Here's a short but comprehensive guide on the steps to select the perfect height for a standing desk. Let's check them below!

Step #1 Measure Our Elbow Height

The first thing we have to do is measure the height of our elbows from the ground. This will help us choose a desk that allows us to maintain a comfortable and healthy position while sitting or standing.

To measure this body part, we have to stand in a comfortable position, relaxing our shoulders and keeping our arms at our sides.

After that, we have to measure the distance between our elbows and the floor. We can ask someone to help us with this process. It's also essential to write down this number, as we'll use it later.

Step #2 Add Between 1" and 2" to the Elbow Height We Already Measured

Once we measure the height of our elbows, we have to add 1" or 2" to that number. The result will be the ideal standing desk height according to how tall we are.

Why should we add a couple more inches to the height of our elbows? Well, this will help us avoid strain on our shoulders and neck while working.

Step #3 Make Adjustments to Get Maximum Comfort If Necessary

Although the height we calculated with the first two steps can help us choose a comfortable standing desk, each person is unique and may want different comfort levels.

Therefore, we have to do some tests and pay attention to how we feel when using a standing desk.

If we think we need a higher-standing desk, we can make slight adjustments to achieve the ideal comfort level based on our preferences.

However, adjustments should be slight, considering the recommended minimum and maximum height. A desk that is too high would be just as uncomfortable and unhealthy.

Step #4 Level Our Monitor With Our Eyes

Adjusting the desk height is important, but we need to satisfy another strict requirement to ensure the table is comfortable enough. It has to do with our monitor.

If the position of the monitor is too high or too low in relation to the standing desk, we'll likely maintain a poor and unhealthy posture.

Ideally, the distance between our eyes or heads and the screen should be between 18" and 24". However, this can also vary depending on our physical characteristics and needs.

Overall, the maximum recommended distance between our head and the display is 16-30". If it goes out of that range, we could cause strain in our eyes and the rest of the body.

If we have trouble achieving the right height for our monitors, we can use ergonomic elevations. Monitor stands or raisers are among the most popular options because they can raise the top third of the screen to our eye level. Also, they're inexpensive and adjustable.

Step #5 Test the Standing Table Desk Height for a Couple of Days

Finally, we should test our standing desk height for a few days after making the necessary calculations and adjustments.

During this testing period, we should spend some time sitting and standing, paying attention to how our body feels.

If we experience discomfort or strain, the best thing we can do is adjust the standing desk table again or purchase another option.

Guide on Calculating Minimum and Maximum Standing Table Height

As mentioned, determining the recommended maximum and minimum standing desk height is also essential to making the right decision.

Again, this number is based on our height and should ensure a healthy and comfortable posture.

While the ideal height of a standing desk should be the distance between the floor and our elbows (90-degree angle), other factors can affect these measurements. Here are some of them:

The use of a monitor stand or a similar device
The height of our shoes
The height of our monitors

However, we'll help you calculate the maximum and minimum height for a standing desk in this article. Here are the steps you should follow:

Step #1 Measure the Exact Height With Our Shoes on

This is one of the most important tips to calculate the ideal standing desk height. We should start by measuring our height while wearing our favorite shoes.

It's important to choose the shoes we usually wear when we work at our desk. This will help us have accurate measurements.

Additionally, we should stand up straight with our heels against the wall, keeping our heads level.

To make the process easier, we can use a tape measure. We should measure the distance from the ground to the top of our heads. The result will be our height.

The proper standing desk height depends greatly on our exact height with shoes on, so this step is quite important.

Step #2 Subtract 8.5" to Find the Minimum Standard Desk Height

After completing the first step, we must calculate the minimum standing desk height. It's way easier than you think!

We only have to subtract 8.5" from our height with shoes on. The result will be the minimum height we can consider when determining how tall our standing desk should be.

If we're 71" tall, the minimum desk height should be 62.5", for example. Considering these dimensions when choosing or adjusting a standing table ensures that we can use this piece of furniture comfortably without hunching over.

Step #3 Determine the Maximum Standard Desk Height by Subtracting 6" to Our Height

Now, it's time to calculate the maximum standing desk height. This number will help us choose a table that isn't too high, which would cause strain on several body parts, including our necks and shoulders.

In order to determine the maximum desk height, we have to subtract 6" from our height. Assuming we're 71" tall, the result should be 65".

Adjusting Our Standing Desk Height

If we follow the steps described above, we'll be able to determine how high our standing desk should be. However, we can still make some adjustments to achieve the desired comfort level.

Most standing desks are adjustable, which means we can customize the height according to our needs and preferences.

Considering the minimum and maximum desk heights, we can adjust the height of our table by following these parameters:

Manual Standing Desk

When we use a manual standing desk, we have to turn a crank handle to adjust the height according to our specific needs. This process may take some time, and we can calculate an inaccurate height for the first few uses.

However, it's crucial to pay attention to how our body feels to determine the right height for our standing position. If we're comfortable, and there's no strain on our body, we probably did a good job.

Please note that manual desks don't have digital height controls. That's why we have to check that the table is high enough before standing.

Electric Standing Desks

Fortunately, many manufacturers have come up with innovative electronic designs to help us save time when adjusting the proper standing desk height. Some display our height settings digitally, while others are smart!

If we have a model that shows our height adjustments through a digital display, we'll see the current height in real time according to the distance between our elbows or head and the ground.

We can use this information to make necessary adjustments and determine the ideal standing desk height.

In addition, most of these electronic tables include memory features that allow users to save the height standard. That means we can set a predefined position for later use. It's the best way to ensure a comfortable and healthy position while saving time.

However, other electronic standing desks don't display height adjustments but have buttons to make the necessary changes. Although they're also great for our health and comfort, the adjustment process is slightly different.

Common Mistakes When Determining a Standing Desk Height

We're humans and can make mistakes when carrying out any activity, especially if we have to calculate heights and other measurements.

Let's go over the common mistakes most people make when determining the proper height for a standing desk, so we can avoid them and get better results.

1. Use Only the Information on the Standing Desk Height Chart

Almost all standing desks come with a height chart. While this piece of information can be helpful when doing our calculations, it shouldn't be the only thing we rely on to determine how tall our table should be.

Considering our body sizes and the type of shoes we commonly wear is as important as calculating an accurate standard height.

2. Forget to Consider Accessories

Accessories are essential. We often use keyboard trays, anti-fatigue mats, monitor stands, and other items that can add height to our standing desk.

If we don't consider these accessories when determining the ideal standing desk height, we'll get inaccurate measurement results, which means we'll likely have a poor and unhealthy posture.

3. Ignore Our Sitting Posture

We don't just use standing desks to stand. We should switch between standing and sitting to maximize the health and comfort benefits of these pieces of furniture.

Ideally, we should calculate the right standing desk height for both sitting and standing positions.

4. Setting the Desk Too High

Setting the standing desk too high doesn't mean we'll be more comfortable. Actually, this can affect our bodies by forcing us to adopt an unhealthy posture.

When the desk is too high, using it can lead to strain on many body parts. Therefore, we should always follow the recommended guidelines to determine the proper standing table height.

If we want to avoid these mistakes and be successful when setting our standing desk height, we just need to take enough time to properly measure and adjust how high this piece of furniture should be.

Additionally, we should experiment with different positions, test the chosen height for a few days, consider our needs or preferences, and pay attention to how our body feels to make the right choice.

FAQs

1. Why Should You Adjust Your Standing Desk?

Your standing desk ergonomic height should be adjusted so that the resting position for your arms, wrists, and hands when you're standing is in a hanging position. So, while the 90-degree ergonomic setup described here for sitting with armrests isn't ideal.

You need to consider your head, neck, leg arms, and wrists when setting your stand-up desk height. It is acceptable to put your workstation slightly lower than your elbows' 90-degree angle, but do not set it further than your elbows' 90-degree height; this is considerably more harmful to your wrists, elbows, and shoulders.

Your standing desk ergonomic height may be affected by the height of your shoes. Someone may, for instance, have heels on one day and sneakers on the next. This requires the desk to be at two distinct levels. If you frequently change your height, an electric standing desk with "height recall buttons" on the remote is definitely worth the investment.

Because you spend a significant amount of time staring at the highest region of a monitor, your eye level should be at the edge of the window. Placing your monitor stand on a small pile of scrap paper is an easy way to accomplish your ergonomic monitor height.

The procedures are the same for most standing desks. You can use the standing desk height chart to acquire estimated dimensions for the elevation of your chair, keyboard, and display whether you prefer sitting or standing.

Taking Care of Your Neck and Back

The elevation of the computer screen and the space amid your eyes and your monitor is significant when utilizing a standing desk. The displays should be set at a position where eye level is in the upper third to quarter of the screen.

The proper standing desk height decreases straining your eyes and eliminates the need to compensate by moving your head around. Over time, this change in your head has significant detrimental consequences for your neck. It is preferable to be lower than to be higher.

It's also crucial to consider the focus distance. The displays should be set at a distance of about 24 inches from you. This reduces eye strain caused by monitors that are too close together and makes it easier to correct for monitor position that is to some extent very high or very low.

If you need to change your ergonomic monitor elevation when you go from sitting to standing or walking, you should evaluate your back posture in all these situations. This usually means you're hunching in one of them but not in the others. You should get that taken care of.

Taking Care of Your Legs

Use a pad beneath your feet to protect your lower body muscles. You may question how you ever got by without one once you've used one. "Kitchen Mats" and "Standing Mats" are two types of standing desk mats, though the terms are sometimes interchanged. You can determine which mat you want by whether you walk barefoot or not. If you prefer being barefoot around the house, you need a Kitchen Mat. If you prefer wearing solid shoes, then you need a Standing Mat. The difference lies in the thickness of the mat and the type of foam utilized in the two. Standing mats are slimmer to accommodate for the assistance that your shoes currently provide. Kitchen mats tend to be thicker and gentler, and because of their thickness, they might be manufactured of a second-rate foam.

Depending on the thickness of your standing mat, it may affect the standing desk height of your workstation.

When it comes to taking care of your body, whether standing, walking, or riding, the stand up desk height is just a single factor to consider.

2. How to Choose the Correct Chair?

If you're seeking a suitable posture chair to use when you're experiencing lower-limb ache, the following suggestions regarding which type of chair to use can be useful. Besides having a proper standing desk height, a chair is also important to get a good posture at work. Autonomous has a selection of ergonomic desk chairs and stools intended for sitting at a SmartDesk.

In order to find the perfect office chair height, make sure the chair is height-adjustable and high enough for your elbows to sit properly on the shoulder supports and your arms to stretch across to the keyboard keys.
The chair should be able to tilt both frontward and backward, providing for optimum flexibility.
To maintain appropriate back alignment, the chair should be equipped with extra padding.
A backrest that may be adjusted should be included.

You can see what Autonomous has to offer whether you require a stool or an ErgoChair like ErgoChair Plus.

Chair Tilt

Move the chair forward gently so that your back is fully supported, and you are adjacent to the desk. The chair's backrest should be high enough to give lumbar support. When sitting, there should be a slight gap between the rear of your knees and the chair's border.

Keyboard Tilt

Working on the computer for long periods might cause wrist pain. As a result, either sitting or standing, it's critical to optimize wrist posture. Failure to account for this change has been linked to increased wrist pain and discomfort in people who regularly switch between sitting and standing

When standing, maintain your keyboard and mouse around the same elevation and your wrists flat when typing to safeguard your wrists. If your keyboard tray has a tilt function, try tilting it back 10 degrees. This puts your wrists in a linear direction, which is more pleasant and beneficial to your wrist health.

If you still get aching wrists from time to time, invest in an adaptable keyboard tray and gel mouse pads for maximum comfort.

Use Arm Supports

A soft cushioning or surface area that links to your workstation is known as arm support. It's made to relieve pressure on the wrist, which controls the mouse.

This is a well-studied topic, with multiple studies indicating that arm supports can considerably minimize the incidence of neck and shoulder issues. If you have frequent issues, particularly on the side of your dominant hand, these are worthwhile to explore.

Remember to Take Breaks

Even if standing at your minimalist desk is preferable to sitting, you should still get up and get moving, clear your thoughts, and relax your eyes on a frequent basis. Most users can remember to take small breaks on their own, while others may require an electronic reminder.

Installing reminder software on your computer or downloading a rest notification app on your phone are also excellent options. According to one investigation, contact center staff noticed less upper limb and back stiffness after just two weeks of utilizing a reminder application.

Lighting

Introducing a light to your workstation isn't simply for aesthetic purposes. Scientists predict a LED desk lamp is vital for reading physical copy papers because it helps avoid reflections and CVS, which promotes eyestrain, tiredness, dry eyes, light sensitivity, blurred vision, headaches, as well as other ailments in up to 90% of office workers.

In reality, the quantity of light contrast needed grows considerably as we age. The idea is to go for a desk lamp with a swing arm that you can move rather than a table lamp that emits artificial lighting.

3. What is The Proper Height for Standing Desks?

So, what is the ideal height for a standing desk? This measurement is determined by the height of the person who is using the desk, thus there is no one-size-fits-all solution. You may want to double-check this measurement because even a few inches inaccurate can cause you to hunch or hurt your neck or wrists. It's also vital to alter the height of your workstation daily, as certain shoes, such as high heels or anti-fatigue mats, can make you appear taller.

Start with your arms at your sides and your feet slightly parted, with your weight evenly divided between your legs, whether you're standing or sitting. Because everyone is unique, a customized approach to standing desk height is more accurate.

If you follow the standing desk tips below, your desk can be set up in no time!

4. How to Get the Proper Stance?

Besides proper standing desk height, stand with your feet about a foot apart and your arms straight at your sides to get the appropriate posture for a long day of work. Your head should be in line with your spine, and your eyes should be directly forward, horizontal to the floor. Your shoulders should be pushed back and down, and your chest should be front but not puffy. The optimum stance is when both legs are equally balanced. You also shouldn't lean to one side or place more force on one hip than the other. To avoid knee stress, you should maintain a modest bend in your knees rather than locking them. Visualize a string tugging up from the bottom of your waist and out the center of your head. When you're exercising great posture, you should experience that degree of elevation and alignment all of the time.

Adding onto standing upright, it's a good idea to take a little warm-up every morning to loosen up any stiff spots in your neck and back. Gentle neck rolls and spine turns can make a significant difference in your spine's function.

5. Is a Standing Desk Worth it?

After acknowledging some information about standing desk height, let’s consider a standing desk's advantages and disadvantages before buying it.

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WRITTEN BYRyan Tanaka

I specialize in crafting workspaces that seamlessly fuse cutting-edge tech with smart design. With me, your office confidently steps into the digital age.

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