Standing Desk Height Calculator - Sit and Stand Positions

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What height should a standing desk be?

For standing, your desk should be at elbow height when standing upright with relaxed shoulders. For most people this is 95-115cm. For sitting, it should allow your forearms to rest parallel to the floor with elbows at 90 degrees, typically 68-76cm.

If you use a height-adjustable desk, you will switch between two saved positions throughout the day. Most quality standing desks allow you to save preset heights so switching takes one button press.

Standing schedule

The research on standing desk use consistently shows that alternating between sitting and standing is healthier than either position sustained for long periods. A common recommended pattern is 30-45 minutes sitting followed by 15-20 minutes standing. Standing for more than 90 minutes continuously causes lower limb fatigue and lower back loading that negates most of the benefits.

Anti-fatigue mat

If your floor is hard (concrete, tile, hardwood), an anti-fatigue mat is strongly recommended for standing periods. Standing on a hard surface accelerates lower limb fatigue and can cause heel and plantar fascia pain over time. A mat 15-20mm thick provides enough cushioning for most people.

Common Questions

Frequently asked questions

Stand upright with relaxed shoulders. Bend your elbows to 90 degrees. Measure from the floor to where your forearms rest. This is your target standing desk height. Subtract 2-3cm if you find your forearms feel propped up at this exact height. Add the thickness of any footwear you wear regularly.

No. Standing all day is as problematic as sitting all day. The lower limbs fatigue, venous return from the legs is compromised, and lower back loading increases after sustained standing. The research consistently supports alternating between sitting and standing. A 30-45 minute sitting, 15-20 minute standing cycle works well for most people.

Yes. Different shoes add different amounts of height. Barefoot or flat shoes: no adjustment needed. Shoes with a 2-3cm heel: add 2-3cm to your standing height. If you wear different shoes on different days, set the standing height for your most common footwear and adjust manually when needed. Remove shoes entirely for the most accurate height setting.

A sit-stand desk (height-adjustable) moves between sitting and standing heights at the push of a button. A fixed standing desk is set at one height for standing only, requiring a separate chair-height surface for sitting work. Sit-stand desks are more practical for most workers. Fixed standing desks suit people who genuinely prefer to stand most of the day and sit only occasionally.

Set up your full ergonomic workstation

Use our complete ergonomic guide for desk, chair, monitor and keyboard positioning.

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