Desk Height Calculator
Most desks are built for someone around 5 ft 10 in — statistically, that is not you. Enter your height to calculate chair, seated-desk, standing-desk and armrest measurements for your setup.
Calculate your measurements
Enter your height and setup details.
Method note: these results use population-level anthropometric estimates, not direct body measurements. Treat them as a starting point, then fine-tune until your shoulders are relaxed, your wrists stay neutral and your forearms are approximately parallel to the floor. This tool is educational and is not medical advice.
The calculator covers chair seat height, seated and standing work-surface height, and armrest height above the seat. For a fixed desk, it also shows how much chair lift and foot support may be needed.
Use the numbers as a starting setup, then check your real posture: relaxed shoulders, elbows close to the body, forearms near horizontal and wrists neutral.
How this calculator works
The calculator converts every input to centimeters, then estimates compressed chair-seat height as 25% of standing height, seated keyboard-support height as 40.4%, and standing keyboard-support height as 63%. The selected footwear allowance is added to floor-referenced measurements. Armrest height is the estimated seated work-surface height minus the estimated seat height, so it is measured above the seat rather than from the floor.
The seated and standing work-surface results are shown as a practical range from 1 cm below to 2 cm above the central estimate. A fixed surface within 2 cm of the seated estimate is treated as close to the target; larger differences trigger a high- or low-surface adjustment suggestion.
Assumptions and limits
- These are population-level anthropometric estimates, not direct measurements of your legs, torso or forearms and not a prescription.
- Desktop, keyboard and seat-cushion thickness can change the useful setting. Fine-tune the result using your actual typing posture.
- If a suggested adjustment causes discomfort, worsens symptoms or prevents stable foot support, stop and seek qualified ergonomic or healthcare advice as appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ideal desk height for a 5’10” (178 cm) person?
The calculator estimates a seated keyboard-support surface of about 71–74 cm (28–29.1 in) without shoes. Treat that as a starting range: shoulder relaxation, elbow position, wrist angle and the thickness of the keyboard or desktop still matter.
My desk is not adjustable. Do I need a new one?
Not necessarily. If the surface is too high, you may be able to raise the chair and support your feet with a footrest, or use an adjustable keyboard tray. If it is too low, stable desk risers may help. Do not trade a supported posture for a single target number.
Does desk height matter if my monitor is set correctly?
Yes. Desk and keyboard height affect the shoulders, elbows and wrists, while monitor position mainly affects the neck and eyes. Check both using our ideal monitor height guide and complete monitor setup guide.