How Tall is the Average Desk?

A desk is the foundation of your working from home space. Whether it’s a desk in your home office, bedroom, or a spare room, everyone needs one. You might be in the market for a new desk or wonder if yours is up to par. One of the most common questions is how tall is the average desk and why does height matter? We’re taking a look at desks and how you can choose the perfect one for your remote working.

How Tall is the Average Desk?

We measure the height of a desk from the floor to the tabletop. It typically comes up to 29 or 30 inches. If you’re under 6 feet, you’ll likely want a shorter desk to accommodate your height. Most of us are guilty of sitting at a desk that isn’t the right height because we don’t adjust it from the standard height.

When you’re trying to figure out if a desk is the right height for you, you should put your elbows down at a 90-degree angle. If your hands rest comfortably on the top of the desk, it’s a good fit. When you’re using a standing desk, this will change the height that you should have for your desk. It’s generally easier to work out your standing desk height than your sitting desk height.

The easiest way to work out the best height for you is to take your height in inches and add one inch. This total equals the height your desk should be in centimeters. The benefit of modern and easy-to-assemble desks is that you can adjust their height within a few clicks or by moving a nail or two.

Why the Height of Your Desk Matters?

The first thing to remember is that there’s no “one size fits all” height. When it comes to how tall the average desk is, the range reflects the most common proportions. The average person spends 67 days a year sitting at a desk – with this number rising when you’re working from home.

You’ll also want to consider what you’re using your desk for. Most people who are working from home will be doing a mixture of typing and writing. You’ll usually want an inch or two more in height to give you a more comfortable writing experience.

If your desk isn’t sitting at the right height, you could end up feeling uncomfortable with aches in your arms or legs. If your desk isn’t high enough, your knees may end up hitting the underneath of your desk. The combination of these issues can lead to chronic back pain, which you want to avoid at all costs.

Someone who is 6 feet and 6 inches tall won’t be able to comfortably sit at the same height of desk as someone who is 5 feet and 9 inches. If your desk is too high, it can be irritating and difficult to work.

When working out how tall is the average desk, consider that everyone’s bodies are different. While you can use the average as a guide, it’s important you set your desk at a height that works for you.