How to Determine the Ideal Standing Desk Height

Standing desks have become increasingly popular in recent years as people are looking for ways to improve their health and productivity while working. However, merely using a standing desk will not suffice – it must be set up correctly to ensure ergonomics and prevent discomfort.

And when it comes to setting up a standing desk properly, height is an essential factor to consider. Because the correct standing desk height can significantly impact your posture, comfort, and overall well-being.

A desk that is too high or too low can put a strain on your neck, shoulders, and back, as well as discomfort in your wrists and arms. On the other hand, a properly adjusted desk will help you maintain good posture, reduce strain on your muscles and joints, and improve blood circulation.

In the following sections, we'll take a closer look at how to determine the ideal standing desk height, along with the necessary information you need to get the height correctly.

Understanding the Basics

When it comes to finding the perfect standard height of desk – it's crucial first to understand the basics. Here are the key factors that you need to consider to get started:

1. Your elbow height: The height of your desk should be set at the level of your elbows. That will make sure your arms and wrists are in a comfortable position and will help prevent strain.
2. Your screen height: The top of your computer screen should be at or slightly below eye level. It will keep your neck in a neutral position and prevent slouching.
3. Your Posture:Maintaining good posture is vital for overall health and comfort. Make sure to stand up tall with your shoulders back and your core engaged.

As you begin to adjust your standing desk to the perfect height - take breaks and walk around periodically to prevent fatigue and strain. Remember, finding the perfect height is a process, so don't be afraid to experiment with different settings until you find what works best for you.

TIP: With Fezibo's range of high-quality, adjustable standing desks – you can achieve the perfect ergonomic setup to support your health and productivity!

What is the Standard Height of a Standing Desk?

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While there is no typical desk height standard that will work for everyone, some general guidelines can help you determine the ideal height based on your needs.

The average standard height of desk range for a standing desk is typically between 38 and 46 inches, depending on your height and the type of work you do. This height range allows your elbows to be at a 90-degree angle when typing or using your mouse, which can help prevent strain on your neck, shoulders, and back.

It's important to note that maintaining the desk height standard for your standing desk may need to be adjusted throughout the day as you shift between sitting and standing. That can help prevent fatigue and discomfort and maintain good posture.

Here are some examples of standard desk height for standing workstations that you can refer to confirm the correct standard height of desk.

The Perfect Height for a Standing Desk: Steps to Follow

Follow these steps to determine the right height for a standing desk.

Step 1 – Measure Your Elbow Height

The first step involves measuring the height of your elbows. The first thing you need to do is to stand comfortably with your shoulders relaxed and arms at your sides. Measure the distance from the floor to your elbow and note the number down.

Step 2 – Add 1-2 inches to your Elbow Height

Once you have determined your elbow height, add 1-2 inches to the height to find your ideal standing desk height. This extra height will allow you to work comfortably without straining your neck or shoulders.

Step 3 – Make Adjustments According to Your Comfort Level

The ideal height is a good starting point, but everyone is different when it comes to the comfort level. Pay attention to how your body feels and make adjustments to find the perfect fit. You might need to make slight adjustments up or down based on your comfort level.

Step 4 – Level the Monitor's Top Third With Your Eyes

Monitor height adjustment is just as critical as adjusting desk height. Ergonomic monitor elevations, such as monitor stands, can raise the top portion of a display to eye level. A monitor that is too high or too low at the desk can contribute to poor posture. According to most studies, the ideal distance between your head and the display should be 16 inches to 30 inches.

Step 5 – Test Your Height for a Few Days

Once you have made the necessary adjustments, stand at your standing desk for a few days and pay attention to how your body feels. It may be time to make further adjustments if you notice any discomfort or strain.

Calculating Minimum & Maximum Height

To determine the correct height of the standing desk, you must calculate the maximum and minimum heights according to your height. As discussed earlier, in an upright, relaxed posture, the ideal height of the desk should be the distance between the ground and the elbows bent 90 degrees. However, factors such as shoe height, monitor stand, and monitor height can affect this height.

In this section, we'll discuss how to calculate the minimum and maximum standard height of desk.

Step 1: Measure the Exact Height (shoes on)

The first step in calculating standard desk height is to measure your height of yourself while wearing shoes. Make sure you stand up straight with your heels against the wall and your head level.

You can use a tape measure to measure the distance from the floor to the top of your head. An adjustable sit-stand desk's ideal height depends on your exact height.

Step 2: Subtract 8.5 inches to find the Minimum Standard Desk Height

Once you have your exact height, you can determine your minimum desk height. To do this, subtract 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) from your height. For example, if you're 71 inches (180 cm) tall, your minimum desk height would be 62.5 inches (158.8 cm). This measurement ensures that you can comfortably stand at your desk without hunching over.

Step 3: Subtract 6 inches to find the Maximum Standard Desk Height

The next step is to determine the maximum desk height you need. To do this, subtract 6 inches (15.2 cm) from your height. For example, if you're 71 inches (180 cm) tall, your maximum desk height would be 65 inches (164.8 cm).. This measurement ensures that your desk isn't too high, which could cause you to strain your shoulders and neck.

Adjusting Your Desk Height

After calculating your standard desk height range (minimum and maximum desk heights) – you can adjust your desk accordingly. Most Standing desks are adjustable, allowing you to customize the height to your specific needs.

Moreover, some desks come with a digital display that shows Exactly how high it is from the ground, making it easy to adjust your desk to the correct height.

Manual Standing desks

If you have a manual sit-stand desk, you'll need to adjust the height by turning a crank handle. And that can take a little while to adjust to the height of the user, so measuring the elevation for the first few uses is essential until you get the right height for your standing position. Because most manual crank desks don't have digital height controls, you'll need to check that your desk is at the correct height before standing up to work.

Electric Standing desks

If you have an electric sit-stand desk, you can adjust standard desk height with the touch of a button. Depending on your desk, the electronic height adjustments can be displayed digitally or not. Displays that use digital technology will show height in real-time (based on the height from the floor). Using the digital display on the desk, you can easily adjust the height of the desk to your ideal level.

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You can save the desk height standard on most electronic controllers. For example, take this ideal All-In-One Glass Top Standing Desk from FEZiBO that allows you to set up to heights with its memory features. If you find your perfect height, you can set it as a predefined position for later use. However, the height of the desktop may not be displayed digitally on some motor-driven standing desks; instead, there may be buttons to adjust the height.

Must-Have Accessories to Fine-Tune Your Standing Desk Height

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Transitioning to a standing desk can offer numerous benefits, but having the proper setup is essential to reap these advantages. With the help of a few accessories, you can make adjustments to your desk that will improve your posture and reduce discomfort while standing for extended periods.

Here are some essential accessories that can help you meet the desk height standard for a proper standing desk.

1). Office Chair

Having an office chair is still essential even when using a standing desk. The ability to adjust the height of your office chair can be helpful during the times when you prefer to sit. Finding an ergonomic chair that supports your back, promotes good posture, and is comfortable to sit in for extended periods is crucial.

2). Anti-Fatigue Mat

Standing for long periods can cause fatigue and discomfort in your feet and lower back. However, an anti-fatigue mat can help alleviate some discomfort by providing some cushioning from the hard floor. But, these mats can raise your standing desk by up to 1.6 to 2.4 inches – so it's essential to take a new measurement when adding one to your standing desk.

3). Keyboard Tray

The height of some standing desks cannot be adjusted, which can pose a problem for proper posture. Without the ability to adjust your desk's height, it may be difficult to maintain a proper elbow angle for proper posture. However, these desks can be equipped with keyboard trays to help keep your arms in the correct position.

Standing Desk Height From a Sitting Position

If you use a standing desk, it's essential to adjust the desk height correctly – not only for standing but also for sitting. Here are three simple steps to find your ideal sitting position.

1). Ensure that your chair's armrests and height are adjusted

When sitting – adjust your chair height so that your elbows form a 90-degree angle while typing on the keyboard. Make sure the armrests are at the same height as the desktop. This position helps support your arms and shoulders while reducing the risk of neck and back pain.

2). Wrist Pain - Avoid it!

Your armrests should be positioned below the desk rather than above it to avoid wrist pain. Keep your wrists straight and your fingers on the keyboard to prevent straining your tendons and ligaments.

3). Correct your Posture

A correct sitting position is crucial for good posture and avoiding aches and pains. Put your feet flat on the ground and sit with your back straight. And if you have a footrest, use it to support your feet and help improve circulation.

Common Mistakes When Determining Standing Desk Height

When it comes to determining the standard height of a desk, people often make some common mistakes.

Here are a few of them, along with tips on how to avoid them:

1. Relying solely on the standing desk height chart:While the standing desk height chart can be a helpful tool, it should not be the only thing you rely on when determining the height of your desk. Make sure to consider your body proportions and the type of shoes you wear.
2. Ignoring your seated posture:Your seated posture can impact your standing posture, so it's vital to make sure your chair is adjusted correctly and that your desk is at the right height for both sitting and standing.
3. Forgetting to account for accessories:Accessories like anti-fatigue mats or keyboard trays can add height to your workspace, so make sure to account for them when determining the height of your desk.
4. Setting the desk too high:Setting your desk too high can lead to discomfort and strain on your body, so be sure to follow the recommended guidelines for proper desk height.

To avoid these mistakes, take the time to properly measure and adjust your desk height based on your individual needs and preferences.

Experiment with different heights and accessories until you find the right combination that works for you. And don't forget to pay attention to your body and adjust as needed to avoid discomfort or pain.