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Standing Desk Height Calculator

Type in your height and pick sit or stand to see the desk height, chair seat height, and monitor top height in inches and cm.

Standing desk height calculator beside a sit-stand desk and a tape measure
Measure without shoes for a clean starting point.
Set the desk height for the way you are working right now.
Standing desk height
42.8 in (108.7 cm)
Set the top so your elbows rest near a 90 degree angle.
Sitting desk height
27.6 in (70.1 cm)
Lower the desk here when you sit.
Chair seat height
17.3 in (43.8 cm)
Lower-leg length guides the seat when you sit.
Monitor top height
65.5 in (166.5 cm)
Top of the screen near eye level when you stand. Drop it a little when you sit.
Shoes and floor
Adjust the number
Add about an inch for thick soles, a standing mat, or a plush rug, then fine-tune by feel.
Sit and stand heights by your height
HeightSit deskStand deskChair seat
60 in24.0 in37.2 in15.0 in
63 in25.2 in39.1 in15.8 in
66 in26.4 in40.9 in16.5 in
69 in27.6 in42.8 in17.3 in
72 in28.8 in44.6 in18.0 in
75 in30.0 in46.5 in18.8 in

How to set your sit and stand heights

Set the standing height first, then save it as a preset. Your elbows should rest near a 90 degree angle with your shoulders relaxed. For sitting, the same elbow rule applies, but the seat height decides how low the desk goes. Adjust the chair before you touch the desk motor.

Why the ratios work

The numbers come from average body proportions. Standing elbow height lands near 0.62 of your total height, seated elbow height is lower at around 0.40, and lower-leg length, which sets the seat, is near 0.25. Arm and leg length vary, so treat these as starting points and fine-tune by feel.

Fine-tuning for your setup

Shoes, a standing mat, and thick carpet all lift you and change the right number. Add about an inch for thick soles or a half inch for a thin mat. A monitor arm helps the screen follow you between sit and stand. If your desk will not go low enough to sit, a footrest can close the gap.

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Questions about this calculator

How do I calculate standing desk height?

Multiply your height by 0.62. At 69 inches tall that is about 42.8 in, or 108.7 cm. Adjust up or down an inch or two based on how your elbows and wrists feel while you type.

What is the ideal sitting desk height?

Sitting desk height is about 0.40 times your height, near 27.6 in (70.1 cm) at 69 inches tall. The exact number depends on your chair, since a higher seat raises your elbows.

How high should my chair seat be?

Aim for a seat near 0.25 times your height, about 17.3 in (43.8 cm) at 69 inches. Your feet should rest flat and your thighs should sit roughly level with the floor.

Where should the top of my monitor be?

Put the top of the screen near eye level, which is roughly 0.95 times your height when standing. When you sit, the screen should drop a little so your neck stays neutral.

Do shoes or a standing mat change the height?

Yes. Thick soles or a cushioned mat can add an inch or more, so raise the desk to match. Fine-tune by feel rather than trusting the number alone.

Should sit and stand heights be saved as presets?

If your desk has memory presets, save both. Switching positions is easier when the desk returns to the exact height you already dialed in.

What if my desk will not go low enough to sit?

Raise your chair a little and add a footrest so your feet stay supported. If the desk still sits too high, a keyboard tray can bring your hands down to a comfortable level.