What is the recommended desk height?

In this guide, you will find:

• Ideal height for working seated
• Ideal height for working standing
• Table based on your height
• How to calculate the correct height
• Recommended monitor height
• Frequent mistakes

Ergonomics is key to working comfortably and productively, and choosing the right desk height can make a big difference in your physical well-being. Spending long hours in an incorrect posture can lead to back pain, neck discomfort, and muscle tension. But, what is the recommended desk height?

In this article, from Tablakala, we explain how to find the ideal height for working, whether seated or standing, and how adjustable desks can help you maintain a healthy posture throughout the day.

1- How tall is a standard desk?

Most traditional desks have a fixed height of between 72 and 78 cm. For years, this measurement became a standard in offices, homes, and educational centers.

The problem is that people are not all the same height. A height that may be comfortable for a person who is 1.70 m tall may be too low for someone who is 1.90 m tall or too high for a person who is 1.55 m tall.

That is why many people end up adapting their posture to the desk, when it should be the other way around: the desk should adapt to the person.

This is one of the main reasons why adjustable desks have become so popular in recent years. They allow you to adjust the working height to suit each user and each moment of the day.

2- Factors that influence the ideal desk height

Although height is the most important factor, it is not the only one. To achieve a truly comfortable posture, it is advisable to take several elements into account.

The height of the chair

Many times we think that the desk is poorly adjusted when in reality the problem is in the chair.

Before modifying the height of the table, adjust the chair so that your feet rest completely on the floor and your knees form an angle close to 90 degrees.

The position of the monitor

Even with a correct desk height, a poorly positioned screen can cause cervical discomfort.

The top of the monitor should be approximately at eye level. This way you will avoid constantly tilting your head down or up.

The keyboard and mouse

Both the keyboard and the mouse should allow your wrists to remain straight and relaxed. If you have to raise your shoulders or bend your wrists to use them, the working height is probably not appropriate.

3- Ideal height for working seated

When working seated, it is important that both the table and the chair are adjusted to your height. The optimal position should meet the following characteristics:

• 90-degree angle at the elbows: Your arms should form a right angle when resting on the desk, with your forearms parallel to the floor.
• Feet flat on the floor: Make sure your feet are fully supported and your knees form a 90-degree angle. If you cannot reach the floor comfortably, use a footrest.
• Monitor height: The top of your screen should be at eye level, which prevents you from having to tilt your head up or down.

In general, the standard height for a fixed desk is usually 72-75 cm, but this measurement may not be ideal for everyone. For example, someone taller or shorter will need specific adjustments to maintain an ergonomic posture.

4- Ideal height for working standing

Working standing has become an increasingly popular practice, thanks to the health and productivity benefits it provides. However, the desk height must be adjusted correctly to avoid discomfort:

• Elbows at 90 degrees: As when working seated, your elbows should remain at a right angle with your forearms parallel to the floor while using the keyboard and mouse.
• Straight back: Avoid leaning forward; the desk should be at a height that allows you to maintain a straight and relaxed posture.
• Monitor height: The top of the screen should be aligned with your eyes to minimize neck strain.

As a general reference, the ideal heights for working standing vary between 95 and 125 cm, depending on your height.

5- Recommended height chart according to your stature

If you are looking for a quick reference, the following table can help you find an approximate height for working seated and standing.

Height	Seated height	Standing height
150 cm	60-64 cm	90-97 cm
160 cm	64-68 cm	96-104 cm
170 cm	68-72 cm	102-110 cm
180 cm	72-76 cm	108-127 cm
190 cm	76-80 cm	114-124 cm
200 cm	80-84 cm	116-123 cm

These values are approximate. Each person has different body proportions, so it is always advisable to make small adjustments until you find the most comfortable position.

6- Quick desk height calculator

If you don't want to take measurements, you can use these approximate references:

If you are 160 cm tall

• Recommended seated height: 66 cm
• Recommended standing height: 100 cm

If you are 170 cm tall

• Recommended seated height: 70 cm
• Recommended standing height: 106 cm

If you are 180 cm tall

• Recommended seated height: 74 cm
• Recommended standing height: 112 cm

If you are 190 cm tall

• Recommended seated height: 78 cm
• Recommended standing height: 118 cm

Adjustable desks allow you to easily adjust these heights and alternate between seated and standing work throughout the day.

7- What height should the monitor be?

A correct posture does not only depend on the table. As a general rule:

• The top of the screen should be at eye level.
• The distance between your eyes and the monitor should be approximately between 50 and 80 cm.
• Your gaze should be directed slightly downwards, not upwards.

If you work with a laptop for many hours, it may be advisable to use a stand to raise the screen and an external keyboard.

8- Frequent mistakes when adjusting a desk

These are some of the most common mistakes we see in offices and home offices:

Working with elevated shoulders

It usually happens when the desk is too high. Over time, it can cause tension in the neck and trapezius.

Constantly tilting your head down

Normally occurs when the screen is too low.

Not fully resting your feet

If your feet are dangling or barely touching the floor, your overall posture suffers and pressure on the lower back increases.

Maintaining the same posture for hours

Even a correct posture can be uncomfortable if maintained for too long. It is advisable to change position periodically and make small movements throughout the day.

9- Why choose an adjustable desk?

A fixed desk can be limiting, as it does not always adapt to the specific needs of each person. In contrast, an adjustable desk allows you to precisely adjust the height, whether for working seated or standing, ensuring that you always maintain a healthy posture.

The main benefits of an adjustable desk include:

• Total customization: Adjust the height down to the millimeter to adapt it to your body and your activities.
• Healthy transitions: Alternating between working seated and standing reduces fatigue and improves circulation.
• Greater versatility: Ideal for shared homes or offices, where several people can use the same desk with different configurations.

10- How to calculate the right height for your desk

To find the perfect desk height, you can follow these steps:

1. Measure your seated height: Sit in your chair with your feet on the floor and measure the distance from the floor to your elbows. This will be the optimal height for your desk while working seated.
2. Measure your standing height: Stand with your arms relaxed and measure the distance from the floor to your elbows. This value will correspond to the ideal height for your desk when working standing.
3. Adjust the monitor height: Make sure the top of the screen is at eye level. Use additional supports if necessary.

11- Tablakala: desks designed for your comfort

At Tablakala, our adjustable desks are designed to offer you maximum comfort and adaptability. They incorporate high-precision motorized systems that allow you to adjust the height simply and precisely, whether for working or enjoying your leisure time.

If you are looking for an adaptable solution for working seated and standing, you can view our collection of adjustable desks, designed for people of different heights and needs.

In addition, we also recommend reading our article on the differences between our Tablakala 1 motor and Tablakala 2 motor models, which clarifies many doubts.

Invest in your well-being and productivity with an adjustable desk from Tablakala. Discover all the options in our online store and transform your workspace today.