Desk Height Calculator
Enter your height and get the desk, seat, and monitor heights that keep your elbows near 90 degrees and the top of your screen at eye level — the neutral posture ergonomists recommend.
Optional — enter your standing height to personalise the results.
Enter your height above to see your recommended desk setup.
These are starting points based on average proportions. Adjust to what feels neutral for your body — feet flat, shoulders relaxed, wrists straight.
How the calculator works
The calculator estimates each height from your standing height using anthropometric proportions for a neutral working posture: sitting with your feet flat, thighs roughly parallel to the floor, elbows bent near 90 degrees, and the top of your screen at eye level. The same proportions, scaled up, give your standing-desk and standing eye-level numbers.
The ergonomic rule of thumb
The core rule of thumb: set your desk (or keyboard) to your elbow height. When you sit or stand in a neutral posture, your elbows should rest at roughly 90 degrees with your forearms parallel to the floor — that is the height your work surface should match.
- Seated desk height ≈ your seated elbow height (forearms parallel to the floor, shoulders relaxed).
- Standing desk height ≈ your standing elbow height (the same neutral elbow position, standing).
- Top of the screen ≈ at or just below eye level, about an arm's length away, to avoid neck strain.
The formula
Each height is your standing height (H) multiplied by a fixed ratio derived from standard anthropometric data.
| Measurement | Formula |
|---|---|
| Seated desk height | 0.43 × your height |
| Standing desk height | 0.62 × your height |
| Seat height | 0.26 × your height |
| Monitor top (seated) | 0.73 × your height |
| Monitor top (standing) | 0.93 × your height |
Ratios based on standard anthropometric proportions (CCOHS / Ergotron rule-of-thumb guidance for neutral seated and standing posture).
Quick posture checklist
- Feet flat on the floor or a footrest, thighs roughly parallel to the floor.
- Elbows close to 90 degrees, shoulders relaxed, wrists straight.
- Top of the monitor at or just below eye level, about an arm's length away.
- Switch between sitting and standing through the day rather than holding one position.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ideal desk height?
There is no single number — it depends on your height. As a rule of thumb, your desk should match your elbow height so your forearms stay parallel to the floor with your shoulders relaxed. For an average adult around 175 cm (5'9"), that is roughly 75 cm seated and 109 cm standing.
How do I measure my desk height?
Sit (or stand) in a neutral posture with your shoulders relaxed and elbows bent near 90 degrees. Measure from the floor to the underside of your elbow. Your desk or keyboard surface should sit at about that height.
How high should my standing desk be?
Set a standing desk to your standing elbow height — about 0.62 × your height. Keep your wrists straight and the top of your screen at eye level. Use the calculator above for your exact number.
Where should my monitor be?
The top of the screen should be at or just below eye level, roughly an arm's length away. If your monitor is too low you will tilt your head down; raise it on a stand or riser until the top edge meets your eye line.
Is a sitting or standing desk better?
Neither is better on its own — alternating between the two is what helps. Aim to change posture regularly rather than staying seated or standing for hours. A height-adjustable desk makes switching easy.
Ready to dial in your setup? Explore our height-adjustable desks.
Shop standing desks