What is the Right Height for a Standing Desk?

If you’ve been thinking about switching to a standing desk—or already have one—you’ve probably asked yourself: “What’s the right height for a standing desk?” It’s a common question, and for good reason. The height of your desk can make or break your experience. A desk that’s too high or too low can leave you sore, frustrated, or even less productive.

The good news? Finding the right height for standing desk use isn’t as complicated as it sounds. With a few practical tips, some ergonomic guidelines, and a little trial and error, you can set up your workspace so it feels natural and comfortable for you.

Let’s break down everything you need to know—from average standing desk height recommendations to proper standing desk posture, plus a handy guide for people of different heights, including the best standing desk height for a 6-foot person.

Why Standing Desk Height Matters

You’ve probably heard people say that standing desks can improve posture and reduce back pain. But here’s the catch: that only works if your desk is set at a good height for standing desk use.

When your desk is positioned correctly, your body feels balanced. Your arms rest naturally, your neck isn’t craning down to look at your screen, and you don’t have to hunch your shoulders.

• On the flip side, if your desk is too tall or too short, you might notice:
• Stiff shoulders or upper back pain
• Tingling or fatigue in your wrists and hands
• Neck strain from looking down or up at your monitor
• Overall discomfort that makes standing feel harder than it should

That’s why the correct height for standing desk setups is all about ergonomics—making sure your body lines up the way it should so you can work comfortably.

How High Should a Standing Desk Be?

So, how tall should a standing desk be? A good rule of thumb is that your elbows should rest at a 90-degree angle when your hands are on the desk. In other words, your forearms should be parallel to the ground, with your wrists straight and shoulders relaxed.

Here are a few quick posture checkpoints for standing desk recommended height:

• Elbows: bent at about 90 degrees and close to your sides.
• Wrists: level, not bent up or down.
• Screen: top of your monitor roughly at eye level, so you’re not tilting your head.
• Shoulders: relaxed, not hunched forward.
• Feet: flat on the ground, hip-width apart.

This setup is often referred to as the ergonomic height of standing desk posture. It’s not a one-size-fits-all rule, but it’s a reliable place to start.

Standard & Typical Standing Desk Heights

Manufacturers usually design standing desks with an average standing desk height in mind. The standard standing desk height often falls around 40 to 42 inches for someone of average height.

Of course, this typical standing desk height won’t feel right for everyone. Someone who’s 5’2” will likely need a lower setting, while someone who’s 6’4” will need something higher. That’s why many people prefer adjustable desks, so they can find their proper height for standing desk work without compromise.

Average Standing Desk Height Based on Body Height

A quick way to figure out your standing height desk height is to match it with your body height. While not exact for everyone, here’s a helpful reference chart:

This table gives you an average standing desk height range, but remember—everyone’s arms, torso, and comfort levels are different. Use it as a guideline, then fine-tune based on how your body feels.

Sweetcrispy Elevating Standing Table, Ergonomic Design	Sweetcrispy Removable Standing Table for Bedroom Office	Sweetcrispy Adjustable Laptop Desk Bedside Table for Office

Best Height for Standing Desk by Specific Heights

Let’s take this a step further. If you’ve ever Googled “best standing desk height for 6 foot person”, you’re not alone. People often want to know the exact numbers for their body type.

• Best standing desk height for a 6-foot person: usually around 44–46 inches.
• Best standing desk height for someone 5’6”: closer to 39 inches.
• Best standing desk height for taller folks (6’4”+): often 46 inches or higher.

These numbers fall into the range of standing desk recommended height, but what feels natural for you is what matters most. Don’t be afraid to tweak an inch up or down until your shoulders and wrists feel comfortable.

Proper Standing Desk Posture Checklist

Even if you’ve set your desk to the correct height for standing desk use, posture still plays a big role in how you feel. Here’s a quick checklist to keep handy:

• Desk at elbow height, arms at 90 degrees
• Monitor directly in front of you, at or just below eye level
• Shoulders relaxed and not hunched
• Wrists straight, not bent
• Feet flat on the floor (use a footrest if needed)
• Weight evenly distributed (avoid leaning on one leg for too long)

This is often referred to as standing desk posture, and it’s just as important as desk height itself.

Adjustable vs. Fixed Height Standing Desks

Not all standing desks are created equal. Some are fixed-height, while others are adjustable.

• Adjustable standing desks: Let you find the proper height for standing desk use based on your body. They’re especially helpful if multiple people share the same desk or if you switch between sitting and standing.
• Fixed height desks: Typically designed around a standard standing desk height. They can work fine if they happen to match your body height, but they don’t leave much room for adjustment.

If you’re investing in a new desk, an adjustable model can make it much easier to dial in the right height for standing desk posture.

Additional Ergonomic Tips for Standing Desk Users

Finding the good height for standing desk setups is only part of the equation. Here are a few extras to make standing more comfortable:

• Use an anti-fatigue mat: Standing on hard floors for hours can be tiring. A cushioned mat reduces strain on your legs and feet.
• Alternate between sitting and standing: Standing all day isn’t the goal. Try alternating every 30–60 minutes.
• Move often: Stretch your arms, roll your shoulders, and take short walking breaks.
• Check your footwear: Supportive shoes can make standing easier. High heels or flat sandals might leave you sore.
• Adjust monitor height: If your screen is too low or high, your neck will feel it. Consider a monitor stand if needed.

Conclusion

So, how high should a standing desk be? The answer depends on you. While there are standard standing desk height guidelines and charts for the typical standing desk height, the right height for standing desk posture comes down to finding what feels natural for your body.

As a quick recap:

• The average standing desk height falls between 38–46 inches depending on your height.
• The best standing desk height for a 6-foot person is around 44–46 inches.
• Always aim for a proper standing desk posture: elbows at 90 degrees, monitor at eye level, and feet flat.
• Adjustable desks make it easier to personalize the ergonomic height of standing desk setups.

Think of your desk as an extension of your body. If you listen to the signals your body sends—tight shoulders, stiff wrists, tired legs—you’ll know when it’s time to adjust. With a little experimentation, you’ll find the right height for standing desk use that helps you feel good, stay productive, and work with ease.

Tip: Don’t stress too much about the “perfect” number. Start with the guidelines, try them out, and adjust until standing feels comfortable for you. That’s when you’ll know you’ve found your sweet spot.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Standing Desk Height

1. How high should a standing desk be?

A standing desk should generally be set so that your elbows rest at about a 90-degree angle while typing. For most people, this means the desk surface is somewhere between 38 and 46 inches from the floor, depending on height.

2. What is the average standing desk height?

The average standing desk height is usually around 40–42 inches, which works well for someone about 5’8” tall. However, this is just an average—your ideal height may be slightly higher or lower.

3. What is the proper height for standing desk use if I’m 6 feet tall?

The best standing desk height for a 6-foot person is often around 44–46 inches. This keeps the arms at a natural 90-degree angle and the monitor close to eye level.

4. Is there a standard standing desk height?

Manufacturers often design around a standard standing desk height of about 40–42 inches, but since body sizes vary, many people prefer adjustable desks to find their personalized setup.

5. How do I know if I’ve set the correct height for standing desk work?

Check your posture: your elbows should be bent at 90 degrees, your wrists straight, your shoulders relaxed, and your monitor at or slightly below eye level. If you feel tension or strain, adjust the desk up or down an inch until it feels comfortable.

6. What is the best posture for using a standing desk?

The correct posture for standing desk use includes standing tall with shoulders relaxed, feet flat on the floor, arms bent at 90 degrees, and the monitor placed at eye level. Avoid leaning on one leg or locking your knees for long periods.

7. Can I use a fixed-height standing desk?

Yes, but fixed desks are designed with typical standing desk height in mind and may not match everyone’s body. If the desk feels too tall or short, consider a monitor riser, anti-fatigue mat, or footrest to help improve ergonomics.

8. What if my standing desk feels uncomfortable even at the recommended height?

Small adjustments often help. Try moving your desk up or down an inch, repositioning your monitor, or changing your posture. Comfort is the best sign that you’ve found the right height for standing desk use.