Short Answer: Your perfect standing height for your standing desk should be around 63% of your body height. So if you are 5'10" (178cm), your desk should be around 44" (112cm). If you are 6'0" (183cm), your desk should be around 45-46" (115-117cm). Your perfect sitting height should be around 39-42% of your body height. These are estimates so to get the exact number measure your elbow height.
Standing Desk Height Calculator
Estimates use standing elbow height ≈ 0.63 × height and sitting desk height ≈ 0.39–0.42 × height. Individual proportions vary, so adjust by feel and check that your elbows rest near 90–110 degrees with straight wrists.
Calculate Your Standing Desk Height in 30 Seconds
You can use the calculator on this page, or do the maths yourself with one multiplication.
Standing desk height = your height × 0.63
Example: 5'10" is 70 inches. 70 × 0.63 = 44.1 inches.
- Add the thickness of your shoes and any anti-fatigue mat you are standing on (often 1").
- Subtract the thickness of your keyboard (often 1"), as your hands are on the keyboard.
For most people with a standard keyboard and normal shoes these two factors will roughly balance out, leaving you with a value of 0.63, which is the correct height for your desktop.
The Formulas Behind the Numbers
These ratios are based on common anthropometric ratios. They may vary slightly between sources.
| What you're setting | Formula | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standing desk surface | Height × 0.62–0.64 (use 0.63) | Standing elbow height, measured barefoot |
| Sitting desk surface | Height × 0.39–0.42 | Seated elbow height. Depends on your chair setup |
| Chair seat height | Height × 0.25 | Roughly your lower-leg length. See our chair height guide |
| Standing eye height | Height × 0.93 | Top of your screen goes at or just below this |
Everyone's body shape is slightly different. Two people of the same height (5'8") may have an inch difference in their elbow position. It is better to measure.
Standing Desk Height Chart by Body Height
Use this chart for a quick starting point. Values assume barefoot standing height and a standing elbow ratio of about 0.63.
| Your height | Standing desk (best estimate) | Standing range | Sitting desk range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5'0" (152 cm) | 37.8" (96 cm) | 37"–38.5" | 23.5"–25" |
| 5'2" (157 cm) | 39.1" (99 cm) | 38.5"–39.5" | 24"–26" |
| 5'4" (163 cm) | 40.3" (102 cm) | 39.5"–41" | 25"–27" |
| 5'6" (168 cm) | 41.6" (106 cm) | 41"–42" | 25.5"–27.5" |
| 5'8" (173 cm) | 42.8" (109 cm) | 42"–43.5" | 26.5"–28.5" |
| 5'10" (178 cm) | 44.1" (112 cm) | 43.5"–45" | 27"–29.5" |
| 6'0" (183 cm) | 45.4" (115 cm) | 44.5"–46" | 28"–30" |
| 6'2" (188 cm) | 46.6" (118 cm) | 46"–47.5" | 29"–31" |
| 6'4" (193 cm) | 47.9" (122 cm) | 47"–48.5" | 29.5"–32" |
| 6'6" (198 cm) | 49.1" (125 cm) | 48.5"–50" | 30.5"–33" |
Use this value. The range shows how much variation there is in real objects. The best thing to do is pick one from the range and then adjust it by eye.
A Better Method: Measure Your Own Elbow Height
This is calculated using your overall height. However it uses your ratios of arm and torso to make it more accurate. It can be done in about a minute with help from someone else measuring with a tape measure.
- Wear the shoes you would normally wear at your desk or go barefoot.
- Stand up straight with your shoulders relaxed and upper arms by your sides.
- Bend your elbows so your forearms are parallel with the ground (around 90 degrees).
- Measure from the floor to the bottom of your elbow. This will give you your standing elbow height.
- Minus the thickness of your keyboard (usually around 1"). This will give you your ideal desk height.
- For example if your elbow height is 44" and your keyboard is 1" thick then set your desk to around 43".
Do the same whilst sitting down. Ensure that your chair is adjusted correctly (Feet on the floor and knees at 90-100 degrees). This will give you your desk height whilst sitting.
Adjusting for Shoes, Mats and Keyboards
| Factor | Effect on desk height |
|---|---|
| Heels or thick-soled shoes | Raise the desk by the extra height of the shoe |
| Anti-fatigue mat | Raise the desk by the thickness of the mat, often about ¾"–1" |
| Thick keyboard or wrist rest | Lower the desk by the extra thickness |
| Keyboard tray | Measure to the tray, not the desktop |
If you wear different shoes during the day, set your desk for the pair you wear most and expect to re-check your height occasionally.
After the Desk: Set Your Screen and Keyboard
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Once your desk has been set to the correct height and your forearms are even and your elbows at approximately 90 degrees:
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Keyboard and mouse should be at the same height as your elbows, with straight wrists.
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Screen should be at eye level or just below. Should be approximately an arm's length away.
Our monitor height guide covers sizes and distances. - Set sitting and standing heights separately. A desk that's right for standing won't be right for sitting. Programming both into memory presets makes switching effortless.
For the full setup order, see our ergonomic workstation guide.
Will a Desk Actually Reach Your Height?
Before buying, compare the desk's height range with your numbers.
- Minimum height ≤ your sitting height. Shorter users sometimes find a desk's lowest setting is still too high. If so, a footrest and a higher chair help.
- Maximum height ≥ your standing height. Taller users should confirm the desk reaches their standing number with room to spare. Many entry-level electric desks top out around 46"–48", which can fall short for people about 6'1" and taller.
- Check the range on the spec sheet, not just the marketing headline.
Using a Riser Desk Instead?
A riser desk adds height on top of the desk you already own, so the maths is slightly different:
Lift you need = your standing desk height − your current desk height
Example: you need 44" standing, and your desk is 29" tall. You need a riser that lifts about 15". If your standing height is 46", you need about 17". Always check the converter's lift range, because shorter lifts won't get taller users to elbow height. See our best riser desks for 2026 and how riser desks work.
Common Mistakes
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Day one guess work. Although the desk feels comfortable, you might be 1-2 inches too high or low. This can cause problems after weeks of use.
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Incorrect height settings. You need to programme two different heights for sitting and standing.
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Not taking into account your shoes or mat. Take measurements in the same conditions you will be working in.
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Keyboard. Your hands should be on the keyboard.
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Shoulders raised. If your shoulders are raised to reach the desk then it is too high. If your wrists are flexed upwards then it is too low.
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Use formula as a guide. Once you have used the formula as a guide, check your elbows, wrists and shoulders.
How to Tell Your Height Is Right
At your new desk height, check that:
- Your elbows rest near 90–110 degrees, close to your body
- Your forearms are roughly parallel to the floor
- Your wrists are straight, not bent up or down
- Your shoulders are relaxed, not hunched or lifted
- You aren't leaning forward or reaching to type
If any of those are off, adjust by about half an inch at a time until they feel neutral.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall should a standing desk be?
Your standing desk should be set to bring your elbows to standing height. This is roughly 63% of your overall height. 5'10" people should have a desk height of around 44". 6'0" people should have a desk height of around 46". Your elbows should be at around 90 degrees and your wrists should be straight.
What is the formula for standing desk height?
Multiply your height by 0.63. Add the height of your shoes or mat to the result and subtract the height of your keyboard. For more accurate results measure the distance from the floor to your bent elbow and subtract your keyboard height.
What standing desk height is right for someone 5'6"?
About 41.5" (106 cm), with a typical range of 41"–42". Adjust for your shoes, mat and keyboard.
What standing desk height is right for someone 6 feet tall?
About 45–46" (115–117 cm), with a typical range of 44.5"–46". Check that your desk's maximum height clears this number.
What is the right sitting desk height?
Around 39-42% of your body height. This will give you a surface at elbow height when sitting. A standard desk height of 28"-30" will work for a lot of individuals around the 5'8"-6'2" height range. Chair height and proportions will also affect this.
Do shoes and anti-fatigue mats change my desk height?
Yes. They raise your body, so your desk needs to rise by the same amount. A mat often adds about ¾"–1", and heels add their own height.
How do I measure my elbow height?
Stand up straight with your shoulders relaxed. Bend your elbows so that they form a 90 degree angle. Your forearms should be horizontal. Measure from the floor to the bottom of your elbow and subtract the thickness of your keyboard. This will give you your ideal desktop height.
Is the 63% rule accurate?
This is a good place to start for most adults. However, everyone’s body proportions are different. If you have longer or shorter arms or torso than average, then measuring your own elbow height is the most accurate.
What if my desk doesn't go high enough?
Before purchasing any desks, look at the maximum height they can reach to see if they can accommodate taller users (around 6'1"+). Many taller users will require a desk that can reach up to a minimum of 47". If your desk is too low, you can use a height adjustable (riser) desk to bridge the gap.
These heights are estimated based on commonly referenced anthropometric ratios and general ergonomic principles. These are based on the current principles of OSHA and ISO 9241 as of 2026. Everyone has different preferences so they should be used as a guide.
If you are experiencing constant discomfort, please consult a medical professional or occupational health professional. This guide uses affiliate links but if any commission is earned it does not affect any recommendations.
