If you spend most of your day sitting, you’re not doing your body any favors. In fact, according to some experts, sitting too much can be as harmful as smoking.
One way to combat the effects of all that sitting is to use a standing desk.
But how high should your standing desk be?
In this article, I’ll discuss how high should standing desk be and some tips for getting the best height for your standing desk.
So, let’s take a look!
Key Takeaway
- It depends on your height and how high your standing desk should be.
- But based on research and expert opinion, a standing desk should be between 40 and 45 inches high.
How High Should Standing Desk Be?
The ideal height for a standing desk depends on the person’s size, but a good rule of thumb is that the desk should be at least elbow height.
If the person is taller, the desk should be higher, and if the person is shorter, the desk should be lower.
But based on research and expert opinion, the best standing desk for short person or a tall person height is between 40 and 45 inches.
The below table shows the standard desk height of the standing desk for every height.
Your Height | Standing Desk’s Height in cm | Standing Desk’s Height in inches |
5’0” | 79 | 31 |
5’ 1″ | 81.5 | 32 |
5’ 2” | 84 | 33 |
5’ 3” | 86.5 | 34 |
5’ 4” | 89 | 35 |
5’ 5” | 91.5 | 36 |
5’ 6” | 94 | 37 |
5’ 7” | 96.5 | 38 |
5’ 8” | 99 | 39 |
5’ 9” | 101.5 | 40 |
5’ 10” | 104 | 41 |
5’ 11” | 106.5 | 42 |
6’ 0” | 109 | 43 |
6’ 1” | 111.5 | 44 |
6’2” | 114 | 45 |
Guide For Getting The Best Height For Your Standing Desk
The correct height of your standing desk is very important to avoid many health issues like back and neck pain.
Here is a guide to help you choose the right height for your standing desk:
First Step: Measure Your Height
Firstly, you’ll need to consider your height.
Depending on how tall you are, you may need a different height desk than someone shorter than you.
You can measure your height by using a tape measure or ruler.
Once you have your height, you can continue with the next step.
Second Step: Measure Your Desk’s Height
Now, measure the height of your desk.
You’ll want to make sure that the top of the desk is no higher than your elbow when you’re standing.
If it is, you’ll need to find a way to raise the desk or get a height adjustable standing desk with adjustable height.
Formula For Determining The Best Height For Standing Desk
Once you have done both of the steps mentioned above, you can then use a simple formula to determine the correct standing desk height.
Your height in inches – 29 inches
By using this formula you can find the correct desk height for your standing desk no matter what height you are.
Benefits of Using a Standing Desk
In fact, standing desks cost more.
More and more people are ditching their traditional desks in favour of standing desks. The standing desk also known as the sit stand desk allows you to work on your feet, which has a host of benefits for your health.
Here are a few of the benefits of using a standing desk:
1. Helps Get a Good Posture
When you sit on an office chair all day, your shoulders round forward and your head juts out. This can lead to a condition called “upper crossed syndrome,” which can cause pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back.
While using standing desks helps to maintain and improve proper posture and can prevent the upper crossed syndrome.
2. Reduces Backpain
A study published by the National Library of Medicine found that people who sit for long periods are more likely to have back pain than those who stand more.
So if you’re looking for a way to reduce your risk of back pain, a standing desk may be the best choice.
3. Burns More Calories
A new study has found that standing desks may help people burn more calories throughout the day.
The study conducted by the Mayo Clinic found that people who used a standing desk burned an average of 54 more calories per hour than those who sat at a desk.
Drawbacks of Using a Standing Desk
Though a standing desk or a sit stand desk is comfortable, there are some potential drawbacks that you should know.
1. Vein Problems
Vein problems are a common occurrence for those who spend long hours at a standing desk.
The pooling of blood in the extremities, which puts pressure on the veins and can cause them to rupture, causes the condition.
Symptoms of vein problems include
- Pain.
- Swelling.
- Cramping in the affected area.
2. Can Cause Discomfort
While a standing desk can offer many benefits, it’s important to be aware that it can also cause discomfort.
For example, standing for long periods can lead to tired feet, legs, and back.
Here are a few tips to help you reduce discomfort.
- Take breaks often.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Stretch regularly.
- Adjust your monitor and keyboard to the proper height.
3. Can Cause Headache
If you spend a lot of time working at a standing desk, you might start to experience headaches, neck pain, and tension.
The reason is that the blood flow isn’t proper.
To avoid this,
Try sitting down for a while.
- Take a head and neck massage.
FAQs
How Long Should I Stand at my Desk?
You should stand at your desk for as long as it feels comfortable for you.
But, you should take a possible break after every 30 minutes.
So, now you have the answer for how long to stand at standing desk.
How High Should a Standing Desk Be For an Average Person?
According to the average height of a person in the US, the height of a standing desk should be 40 inches.
But a good rule of thumb is to have the desk be about elbow height.
How High Should a Standing Desk Be For Someone With Short Stature?
The ideal height for a standing desk for someone with a short stature would be between 28 and 32 inches.
You can determine the proper standing desk height according to your height by using this formula.
Standing desk’s height = Your height in inches – 29 inches
What is the Best Chair Height for a Standing Desk?
The best chair height for a standing desk is around 18 inches.
Conclusion
A standing desk should be tall enough so that your elbows are at a 90-degree angle when you are standing.
This blog post discusses the best height for standing desks and provides a guide for finding the best height for you according to your height.
What do you think how high should be standing desk? Let us know in the comments.