How High Should My Electric Standing Desk Be?
EFFYDESK TEAMThe perfect height for your electric standing desk is when your elbows form a 90-degree angle while typing and your monitor sits at eye level. This setup creates a neutral position for your body, reducing the risk of strain during your workday.
People across Canada choose standing desks to create healthier, more dynamic workspaces. But many wonder about the correct height for their desk. It's a great question! Your desk height significantly impacts your comfort, energy levels, and overall well-being.
Setting your desk to the proper height is one of the simplest ways to make your workday more positive. When your desk sits at the ideal height, you'll notice how much better you feel both physically and mentally. When it's incorrect, your body will quickly let you know through neck pain and muscle tension.
At EFFYDESK, we help you create a workspace that supports your health and inspires your best work. Let's look at how to find the perfect height for your standing desk.
Finding Your Perfect Standing Desk Height
The Elbow Check
Your arms should form a right angle at the elbow when typing. This 90-degree angle is your starting point for an ergonomic workspace.
Place your hands on your keyboard while in a standing position. Your forearms should rest parallel to the floor with your shoulders relaxed. This comfortable position lets you type without straining your wrists or bumping your forearms against the desk edge.
For most people, this puts the desktop height around 38-44 inches from the floor when standing, though your exact height depends on your body proportions. The type of shoes you wear can also change your optimal height by an inch or more.
Learn more tips on how to avoid developing computer or elbow pain here.
Stand Tall, Feel Great
A common mistake is setting your desk too low, causing you to hunch over. This creates bad posture with your shoulders rolled forward and an unnatural arch in your spine.
Your height-adjustable desk should let you stand upright with a balanced posture. Your back should be straight, not rigid, with your weight distributed evenly between both feet. Many people find that an anti-fatigue mat helps them maintain this healthy position for longer periods of time.
For the full health benefits of your standing desk, aim to switch between sitting and standing throughout the day. This regular movement boosts blood flow and keeps your energy levels up, addressing one of the negative effects of conventional desks, but also helps burn calories.
Regarding this, your height can also affect your standing posture. Tall people, for example, tend to slouch forward if the table is too low. That's why they need a tall standing desk to accommodate their needs. The same thing goes for short people, because having a short standing desk allows them to not strain their necks.
If you're unsure how high your desk should be, use our desk height calculator to get the exact measurements.
Keep Your Neck Happy
The neck is particularly vulnerable to strain from improper desk height. Your monitor position is just as important as your keyboard height for proper ergonomics.
Your screen should sit at eye level, allowing you to look straight ahead with a neutral neck posture. If you need to tilt your head up or down to see your screen, you risk developing neck pain and eye strain.
For most people, the top of the monitor should be at or slightly below eye level, creating a consistent viewing angle. This may require a monitor arm to achieve the perfect height, especially if you're using a laptop.
Table: Monitor Height Quick Guide
|
Your Height |
Approximate Monitor Height (top of screen) |
|---|---|
|
Under 5'4" |
43-45 inches from floor |
|
5'4" to 5'10" |
45-47 inches from floor |
|
Over 5'10" |
47-50 inches from floor |
These are just starting points, so make slight adjustments based on your personal comfort level. Read more tips on preventing neck pain with your work posture here.
Adapt Your Setup With Accessories
Adding accessories to your electric standing desk can improve your ergonomic workspace, but remember to adjust your desk height accordingly.
If you install a standing mat, casters, or a desk mat under your desk, you'll need to raise the desktop height slightly to maintain your 90-degree elbow angle.
A keyboard tray can help create the ideal typing height while giving you more desk space. If you use one, you may need to adjust your main desk surface higher to keep your monitor at the correct height.
Modern height-adjustable desks like those from EFFYDESK offer preset options to save your favorite heights. This makes it effortless to switch between your perfect sitting and standing positions with the push of a button.
FAQ: Common Questions About Standing Desk Height
How do I find my exact standing desk height?
Use the ergonomic calculator on EFFYDESK's website to determine your ideal desk height based on your height. You can also measure from the floor to your elbow while standing with your arms at a 90-degree angle.
Should shorter people use different desk heights?
Yes, desk height should be customized to each person's body proportions. Shorter people typically need a lower minimum height setting, which is why EFFYDESK provides a wide range of height adjustments suitable for various users.
How often should I switch between sitting and standing?
Start with 30 minutes of standing each hour and adjust based on your comfort. The key is regular movement throughout the day rather than standing for extremely long periods, which can cause leg muscle fatigue.
Can the wrong desk height cause health issues?
Yes, incorrect desk heights can lead to musculoskeletal disorders, joint pain, and even contribute to varicose veins over time. Proper ergonomics reduces your risk of developing repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome.
Support Your Workday With The Right Height
Finding your ideal height for both sitting and standing positions makes a significant difference in your daily comfort and long-term health. The adjustable height range of EFFYDESK's standing desks gives you the flexibility to create the perfect ergonomic setup for your unique body type.
Remember that your body might need different heights throughout the day. Listen to what feels comfortable, and don't hesitate to make adjustments from time to time. Your body will thank you with more energy, better focus, and fewer workday wellness woes.
Ready to upgrade your workspace with a properly sized standing desk? Explore our collection of height-adjustable desks with frames in various colors and desktop options to match your office style. Our supportive office furniture helps create an inspiring workplace where productivity feels more positive.