Standard Desk Height: How Tall Should Your Desk Be?

If you’re furnishing your home office, you’ve likely already imagined how it might look, from the wall decor to the rug pattern.

But you might be stuck on the defining feature of your workspace: the desk—and its proper height. So how tall should your desk be? 

If you're wondering how to choose a desk for home offices with the perfect height in mind, then look no further. In this expert guide, we walk you through all you need to know about optimal desk height, including standard measurements, why desk height matters for health and productivity, and practical tips for choosing the right desk height for you. 

Importance of Proper Desk Height

Proper desk height doesn’t just create a clean, streamlined look in a home office—it’s a key piece in the puzzle of workspace ergonomics, and it’s linked to overall wellness and optimal workflow. In fact, the correct desk height can prevent injuries and promote productivity. 

Health and Comfort

Studies show that determining the perfect height for your office desk can increase comfort when engaging in work-related tasks, and have positive effects on your physical health.¹ Participants who customized their desk height experienced a significant reduction in neck and shoulder pain in just a few months. 

On the other hand, substandard or incorrect desk height can lead to stress and strain on several parts of the body including your neck, back, and shoulders. In some cases, initial aches and pains can become chronic. As you’ll learn in this guide, proper desk height can help you avoid unnecessary and even long-term discomfort. 

Productivity and Efficiency

When you’re comfortable at your writing desk, you can focus on the task at hand instead of how to sidestep discomfort. And when your desk is the right height, your body can more easily relax into ideal positions for long days or tasks that require concentration.¹

What's more, an ergonomic desk height can relieve wrist pain and discomfort, too. With your elbows and wrists at a 90-degree angle (the ideal angle for upper body comfort), you can improve your typing speed and reflexes, which can help you complete work efficiently.²

Recommended Desk Heights

So, how tall should your desk be? Well, that can depend on the type of desk you choose for your home office. Recommended desk heights differ based on style, and the best one for you will depend on your needs. Let’s explore two common desk types and their standard heights.

Sitting Desk Heights

Sitting desks are typically 28–30 inches tall.³ For those of average height (between 5’6” and 5’10”), this sitting desk height works well to support the body and mind.³ But depending on the length of your torso and arms, this standard height might not be perfect for you.

Standing Desk Heights

On the other hand, standing desks work well for those who enjoy more flexibility in their daily workflow. They also offer versatility when it comes to addressing discomfort in the moment. 

These desks range in height but are usually between 38 and 46 inches tall.³ This puts them at the ideal height for most individuals when standing comfortably. If you’re exceptionally short or tall, you might need a different desk height than either end of this range can accommodate.

Adjusting Desk Height for Individual Needs

Standard desk height can give you a starting point in your search, but the ideal height for you can depend on several factors, including your height and personal needs. 

Personal Height and Arm Position

For those over 5’10”, standard desk height might lack enough room for your legs and knees and could cause the neck to strain downwards to focus. Instead, opt for customizable desk designs or height adjustable desk styles for a personalized fit.

Likewise, if you’re under 5’6”, you might be unable to comfortably reach your keyboard or utilize the surface of your desk to its fullest potential. Luckily, an ergonomic chair can usually address these issues.

Ergonomic Chair Considerations

An ergonomic chair is intentionally designed for ideal sitting positions when you’re hard at work. It allows you to interact with your work environment (including your desk!) in ways that are beneficial for your body and promote productivity.⁴ If you’re considering an ergonomic chair for your home office, make sure it checks off a few key features for optimal comfort⁴:

• Adjustability – Seat height should be adjustable via the seat’s base for customizable height. Ideally, you’ll have a range of options on your office chair (not just one or two pre-set heights).
• Versatile backrest – A backrest that adjusts forward and back with strong lumbar support can decrease discomfort and support sensitive areas of the body like the back and neck.
• Supportive armrests – Armrest height should be adjustable for individual personal comfort.
• Stability - A five-point base on your office chair can support you throughout the workday.

Practical Tips for Finding the Right Desk Height

There are several desk types to try, and each style can vary in its height and benefits. As you’re exploring the ideal options for you and your home office, keep these practical tips in mind. 

Measure Your Ideal Height

The ideal desk height will allow your arms to relax with your elbows at a 90-degree angle so you can comfortably utilize the surface of your desk. If your elbows are pushed upwards towards your shoulders or your shoulders are slightly raised when sitting, the desk is likely too tall. 

On the other hand, if your elbows drop below a 90-degree angle or your shoulders hunch forward towards your keyboard, the desk is too short. 

If your elbows can comfortably lay flat on the desktop (where you’d type on your keyboard, for example) and you’re not straining to perform tasks, be sure to take note of the measurements and keep them in mind as you shop for desks—that desk-chair combo might just be perfect for you.

Don’t be afraid to test different options and heights before making your purchase.

Finding Your Perfect Desk Height with James&James

The optimal desk height for your home office will increase comfort and improve productivity during long workdays.

At James&James, our craftsmanship centers on design, beauty, and durability. Our collection of writing desks is handcrafted and made to order, customized to your specifications, including size, finish, and essential office add-ons like keyboard trays and built-in outlets. Be sure to check out our blog for more, including our takes on queries like “how deep should a desk be?” and the benefits of L-shaped desks, to help guide your selection. 

When it comes to furnishing your home office, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice style for function, or vice versa. With James&James, we guarantee both.

Sources:

1. National Library of Medicine. Effects of a Workplace Sit–Stand Desk Intervention on Health and Productivity. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8582919/
2. Medium. What Is the Best Ergonomic Desk Height? https://medium.com/@darrenshrwd/what-is-the-best-ergonomic-desk-height
3. Control Physical Therapy. What Is The Best Ergonomic Desk Height? https://controlphysicaltherapy.com/what-is-the-best-ergonomic-desk-height/
4. Canadian Center of Occupational Health and Therapy. Office Ergonomics. https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/office/chair.html