The desk has been a mainstay in the office for centuries, but how do you know if yours is set up correctly? In this blog post, we’ll explore the science behind determining an optimal desk height that works for your specific needs and tasks.
When it comes to desk height, there are two main factors to consider: ergonomics and comfort. When setting up your workspace, it’s important to pay attention to both of these aspects. You want your workspace to be comfortable while also promoting good posture and healthy body mechanics.
Ergonomics
An ergonomic workspace helps minimise strain on your body by placing it in a neutral position. This means that when sitting at your desk, your feet should be flat on the floor and your arms should be parallel with the surface of the desk. A good rule of thumb is that your elbows should form a 90-degree angle when typing or using a mouse.
For most people, this corresponds with a desk height between 71-76 centimetres from the floor. If you are taller than average, consider opting for an adjustable-height desk so you can easily customize it to suit your needs.
|
Person’s Height |
Recommended Desk Height |
Notes |
|
Up to 170 cm |
70–73 cm |
Slightly lower desks often feel more natural for this height range. |
|
170–180 cm |
73–75 cm |
This range aligns closely with the standard desk height used in many Australian offices. |
|
180–190 cm |
75–80 cm |
Taller users may benefit from adjustable desks to maintain a comfortable posture. |
|
190+ cm |
80+ cm |
Fixed desks may feel too low; height-adjustable desks are strongly recommended. |
While these measurements provide a helpful starting point, the reality is that there’s no single answer to the question of how high should a desk be.
Body proportions, chair height, keyboard placement, and monitor position all play a role in how comfortable your workstation actually feels during a long workday. Two people of the same height may still prefer slightly different desk setups depending on their posture and the tasks they perform most often.
In many Australian offices, the standard desk height tends to sit between 71 and 76 centimetres from the floor (this range generally works well for people of average height when paired with an adjustable office chair).
That being said though, if your chair has to be raised too high or too low to achieve a comfortable typing position, the desk itself may not be the right height for you. Ideally, your elbows should sit roughly level with the desktop, allowing your forearms to rest comfortably while typing or using a mouse.
Another factor that’s often overlooked when asking how tall should a desk be is monitor positioning – even if the desk height is correct, a monitor that sits too low can cause people to lean forward or tilt their neck down throughout the day.
A simple monitor stand or adjustable arm can make a big difference by raising the screen so the top of the display sits roughly at eye level. This encourages a more upright posture and reduces strain on the neck and shoulders.
Standing desks
Standing desks have become increasingly popular in recent years as more and more people are realizing the health benefits of standing while working. While there are many different types of standing desks on the market, they all share one common goal: to allow you to work while standing up.
This can be a great option for those who want to move around more during the day or who find it difficult to sit for long periods of time. Most standing desks are also very flexible in terms of height adjustability, allowing you to find the height that’s perfect for you.
Height adjustable workstations
It’s also worth thinking about how your workspace is used throughout the day. If your work involves switching between reading, typing, and collaborative tasks, a fixed desk height may not always be ideal.
Height-adjustable desks have become increasingly popular for exactly this reason – they allow users to quickly fine-tune their workspace depending on the task at hand, which can make it much easier to find the sweet spot when deciding how high a desk should be for both comfort and productivity.
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