Standing Desk Height Calculator

Use the calculator above to turn your height into the four measurements that actually determine a comfortable setup: standing desk height, seated desk height, chair seat height, and monitor position. Switch between metric and imperial, and the numbers update instantly.

How the numbers are calculated

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The single most important rule for a standing desk is elbow height: with your forearms parallel to the floor and elbows bent at about 90–100°, your wrists stay straight and your shoulders relax. For most people that’s near 61% of your total height — which is what the calculator uses for the standing figure. The seated desk, chair, and monitor numbers come from the same well-established anthropometric ratios (seated elbow height, popliteal/knee height, and standing eye height).

How to dial it in

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1. Set the standing height first, then stand and type for a minute. Your wrists should be flat, not bent up or down.
2. Drop your shoulders. If you’re shrugging to reach the keyboard, the desk is too high; if you’re leaning down, it’s too low.
3. Position the monitor so the top of the screen is at or just below eye level and you look down about 15–20°. A monitor arm makes this easy to keep consistent between sitting and standing.
4. Alternate. The healthiest setting isn’t sitting or standing — it’s switching every 30–60 minutes.

A note on shoes and desktops

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If you usually wear shoes at your desk, add ~2–3 cm to the standing height. And remember the number is the typing surface height — if your desktop is thick or you use a keyboard tray, measure to where your hands actually rest.

Once you know your target height, the next step is a desk that actually reaches it across its full range — see our standing desk picks, and keep the wiring clean with the desk cable management playbook.

Frequently asked questions

How do I calculate the right standing desk height?

Set the desk so your elbows rest at roughly 90–100 degrees with your forearms parallel to the floor and wrists straight while typing. For most people that lands near their standing elbow height — about 61% of total height. Enter your height above to get a personalized starting number.

What is the standing desk height for someone 5'9" (175 cm)?

Roughly 106–108 cm (about 42 inches) as a starting point, then adjust within a few centimeters so your elbows sit at 90–100 degrees. Taller or shorter users scale proportionally — use the calculator for your exact height.

Should my monitor move when I switch from sitting to standing?

Yes. The top of your screen should stay at or just below eye level in both positions, so a monitor arm (or raising the monitor when standing) keeps your neck neutral. The calculator shows your approximate standing eye level.

Is this calculator a substitute for proper ergonomic assessment?

No — it gives evidence-based starting heights from your stature. Fine-tune by comfort: relaxed shoulders, straight wrists, and a screen you look slightly down at. If you have pain or specific needs, consult an ergonomics professional.