Proper Standing Desk Height

Ryan Fiorenzi - Updated on April 18th, 2023

It’s important to make sure that your standing desk is setup at your ideal height. Being off by even an inch or two can lead to unnecessary slouching, neck pain and wrist pain over time. For a full breakdown, check out our complete guide to workplace ergonomics.

What is the Proper Standing Desk Height?

The perfect height for almost everyone is elbow height. When you are standing upright with your chest up and shoulders back, your forearms should rest flat on the desk surface (parallel to the desk and floor as in the picture).

Standing Desk Height

Steps to Finding the Ideal Standing Desk Height

  1. Stand in Good Posture – Stand up straight with your chest up and your shoulders pulled back then down comfortably as if you’re gently placing your shoulder blades in your back pockets.
  2. Put Arms in Position – Rest your arms at your sides and bend your elbows so that your forearms are parallel with the floor.
  3. Measure – Take note of the height from the bottom tip of your elbow to the floor. That is your perfect standing desk height.

Make sure to measure while using the same flooring and footwear you do when at your desk. If you use a standing desk mat, take the compressed height of the standing desk mat into account as well. Any time you change footwear you may need to adjust your desk to accommodate any change in height. Simply make sure that your desk rests at elbow height when you are fully upright.

Finally, don’t be afraid to take consistent brakes from standing. It’s important to find a standing desk that can adjust quickly from sitting to standing so that it’s easy to maintain proper posture throughout the day.

Comments

  1. Finally, don’t be afraid to take consistent *breaks* from standing.

    😉

  2. most critical is the head potision. where you eye level is. if you are constantly looking up too much, this will give headaches…I found out.

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