Sitting and standing
Standing desks
A standing desk has to cover your two working heights: sitting (height × 0.43) and standing (height × 0.62). The most expensive mistake is buying one that falls short at the top.
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How to choose a standing desk that really works for you
Almost every standing desk guide compares motors and prices. But the number one reason a standing desk ends up always at the same height is simpler: it does not reach its owner's standing height.
The filter on this page starts from your height and calculates your two working heights, sitting and standing, to check, desk by desk, whether the manufacturer's range covers both.
Your two heights: the formulas
- Sitting height ≈ height × 0.43. The one that leaves your elbows at about 90° with relaxed shoulders. It matches the standard desk height (75 cm) only if you are around 1.75 m tall.
- Standing height ≈ height × 0.62. The height of your elbows while standing. It decides whether you will really work standing or only in theory.
- Travel needed = the difference between the two, plus a margin for adjustment.
Desk height table by height
Find your height and check the three figures before looking at any model:
| Height | Sitting working height | Standing working height | Travel you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| 155 cm | 67 cm | 96 cm | 29 cm |
| 160 cm | 69 cm | 99 cm | 30 cm |
| 165 cm | 71 cm | 102 cm | 31 cm |
| 170 cm | 73 cm | 105 cm | 32 cm |
| 175 cm | 75 cm | 108 cm | 33 cm |
| 180 cm | 77 cm | 112 cm | 35 cm |
| 185 cm | 80 cm | 115 cm | 35 cm |
| 190 cm | 82 cm | 118 cm | 36 cm |
| 195 cm | 84 cm | 121 cm | 37 cm |
| 200 cm | 86 cm | 124 cm | 38 cm |
An example of what happens in practice: if you are 1.90 m tall, you need to reach about 118 cm. A best-selling desk that rises to 120 cm just about works; one that stops at 115 does not, however good its motor.
Frequently asked questions
How high should the desk be for standing work?
At elbow height with relaxed shoulders, around 62% of your height: about 108 cm if you are 1.75 m tall. Check that the desk's maximum reaches that figure; many cheap models stop at 118-120 cm, which is tight for tall people.
And sitting?
Around 43% of your height, about 75 cm for 1.75 m, which is the standard desk height. A standing desk has to cover that height at the bottom: if its minimum is 72 cm and you need 68, you will keep working with hunched shoulders however high the desk goes.
How much travel do I need?
The difference between your two heights: about 33 cm for 1.75 m. With room to adjust, look for desks with at least 45-50 cm of travel; those with 60 cm or more give you spare room on both ends.
Dual motor or single motor?
The dual motor rises faster, makes less noise and holds more weight; the single is cheaper and enough for a light top. If you will alternate posture several times a day, the dual one shows.
Are height presets worth it?
Much more than it seems: if changing posture costs ten seconds of manual adjustment, you stop doing it within a week. With presets it is one button.
Converter or standing desk?
The converter is the sensible option if you like your desk, have a tight budget or rent your home. The standing desk is better if you work long hours: the travel is complete and you lose no desk surface.
How long should you stand?
The usual guidelines talk about alternating, not standing all day: between 1 and 4 hours spread out, changing posture every 30-45 minutes. Standing for many hours in a row has its own problems.
The calculations are indicative and educational: they do not replace a professional assessment if you have persistent pain.